45. Clarissa

The musty smell of the attic filled my nostrils as I hurled in fear. Cobwebs decorated my face and I trembled in a dark corner hoping that my dad doesn't find me.

I wiped the sweat that dripped down my face as I struggled to catch my breath in the suffocating heat. The sound of squeaking, hungry rats filled my ears and my skin crawled with panic and disgust.

I was scared of rats, and the thought of them crawling on me made my skin crawl. The air was thick and hot, and I could hardly breathe.

My dad's voice boomed through the house sending shivers down my spine. He shouts floated upstairs and dread washed over me. I squeezed my eyes shut and whispered a silent prayer hoping to stay hidden.

The footsteps on the stairs creaked and my stomach dropped as voices drew closer. I knew that it was only a matter of time before they found me.

The attic was dark and I could barely see in front of me. I could hear the sound of the soldiers' footsteps coming closer and closer. My heart was poundi