Chapter 5: Kidnapped

Lani dragged her worn-out suitcase along the gravel path, her aching legs threatening to give way with every step. This was the third time this year she had to move houses, all because of her father, Mr. John, who had once again gotten involved in massive debts and mysteriously disappeared. Each time it happened, the weight on Lani’s shoulders grew heavier. She didn’t blame him, but she hated how cruel life could be.

The house finally disappeared behind her—a place that, just hours ago, had been her shelter but was now somewhere she dared not return to. The thugs were undoubtedly still hunting her. Tears streamed down her face as Lani picked up her phone to call the only person she thought could help her—Maya.

Maya’s panicked voice echoed in Lani’s ear:

“Lani, what’s going on?”

Lani tried to keep her voice steady, but the tremor in her tone betrayed her fear and despair:

“Maya... I have nowhere else to go. I... I’m hurt. Can you help me?”

“I’m staying at a rented apartment near this neighborhood. Come here, and I’ll help you.” Maya agreed without hesitation, even though she wasn’t well-off herself. That single sentence was enough to soothe Lani’s heart if only a little.

After more than half an hour of walking and switching between two bus routes, Lani finally arrived at Maya’s apartment complex. She stood in front of the old wooden door, her hand trembling as she knocked softly. The door quickly swung open, and Maya appeared, dressed in simple loungewear, her face full of worry.

Maya let out a startled cry and immediately pulled Lani inside.

“Lani, oh my God! What happened to you?”

Lani didn’t answer. She quietly sank into the small sofa in the cramped living room. Her legs were utterly exhausted, and the bruises and scrapes covering her body made Maya’s heartache.

“Let me get the first aid kit,” Maya said before rushing off.

Maya’s apartment was tiny, with just enough space for a single bed, a wardrobe, and a small kitchenette. Though modest, it was neat and cozy—exactly what Lani needed at that moment. Maya returned with a small box containing some bandages, disinfectant, and a pair of scissors.

Maya spoke, her voice gentle but firm.

“Give me your leg. Let me bandage it for you!”

Lani hesitantly lifted her leg, letting out a small hiss of pain as Maya used a damp cloth to wipe away the dried blood clinging to her skin.

Lani lowered her gaze to the floor and murmured softly, “You don’t have to do this, Maya. I’ve already troubled you too much…”

“Don’t be silly. You’re my best friend. If I don’t help you, who will? I know you don’t have many people to lean on, so just stay here for a while and don’t worry about it.”

Maya gave her a warm smile, though her mind was a whirlwind of worries. Maya’s family wasn’t well-off, and she had come to the city with nothing but determination. Now, taking on the responsibility of helping Lani added to her burdens. But no matter what, Maya knew she couldn’t abandon her closest friend.

After finishing the bandaging, Maya handed Lani a clean towel.

“Go take a shower!”

Lani gave a slight nod, clutching her clothes as she stepped into the small bathroom. The warm water soothed her aching body, but it couldn’t wash away the pain in her heart. Standing before the mirror, Lani stared at her reflection. Her once-beautiful face was now pale, her eyes swollen from crying too much. She silently blamed herself for being weak, but life had cornered her so cruelly—what else could she have done?

When Lani emerged from the bathroom, she found Maya had prepared a bowl of hot soup on the table.

“Eat up. I’m not letting you starve to death,” Maya said, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

“Thank you,” Lani replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

The two girls sat side by side on the worn-out sofa, quietly eating soup. For the first time in days, Lani felt a rare sense of safety. But deep down, she knew she couldn’t stay here forever. Maya had already done so much, and Lani couldn’t bear to be a burden any longer.

“Maya… I don’t know what to do next,” Lani said softly, her voice trembling.

Maya set her bowl down and took Lani’s hand in hers.

“You don’t need to overthink, Lani. Right now, what you need is rest. I’ll help you get through this, okay?”

Maya’s words were like a light piercing through the darkness. Lani nodded slightly, silent tears streaming down her face. For the first time in days, she felt like she wasn’t completely alone.

Lani lay on the small bed Maya had given up for her, staring at the soft yellow glow of the room’s light. She knew tomorrow would bring more challenges, but her heart felt lighter. At least here, she knew there was someone who genuinely cared for her.

Breaking the quiet, Lani suddenly spoke, “Maya, I think I need to go back to my apartment one more time to gather my belongings.”

Maya, who was busy washing dishes, stopped abruptly and turned to Lani, her face full of concern.

“Are you crazy? They’re still looking for you. Going back there is like walking into a trap!”

Lani shook her head, trying to remain calm. “I don’t have a choice. There are some important documents and necessities I need to retrieve.”

Maya hesitated, her face conflicted. Finally, she let out a sigh and nodded, albeit reluctantly.

"Alright. But I’m coming with you. We’ll sneak in together, pack up quickly, and leave."

That evening, both of them dressed in dark clothing, their faces obscured by masks, as they made their way to Lani’s apartment. The neighborhood was eerily quiet, with only a few faint lights flickering from the other homes. Lani’s heart pounded as they stepped into the familiar hallway. She carefully scanned her surroundings but saw no sign of the strangers who had been pursuing her. Still, the uneasy feeling lingered.

Lani crouched down and quickly began gathering the remaining belongings in her small apartment. Maya stood near the door, her eyes darting up and down the hallway as though expecting someone to appear at any moment. The tension in the room was palpable, and even the faintest sound made both of them jump.

“Maya, keep a close watch by the door. Don’t let anyone see us,” Lani whispered, her hands trembling as she hastily shoved items into her suitcase.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone get close,” Maya replied, her sharp eyes scanning the corridor. Her heart raced in her chest, but she forced herself to stay composed.

Lani avoided taking too much, only packing the essentials into her suitcase and bag. Every passing minute felt like an eternity. This apartment, once her refuge, now felt like the most dangerous place she could be. She knew she couldn’t stay here a second longer, especially with the loan sharks already tracking her down.

By the time Lani and Maya finally left the apartment, dusk had fallen. A narrow alley behind the building led them to another street, where they flagged down a taxi to head back to Maya’s apartment. Sitting in the car, Lani couldn’t bring herself to look back. She feared catching the gaze of someone following her or hearing the ominous footsteps of those who had shattered her life.

Lani’s voice quivered as she spoke, “Maya, thank you for helping me. I honestly don’t know what I would do without you.”

Maya glanced at her through the rearview mirror and gave a gentle smile.

“Lani, don’t worry about it. You’re my best friend. If I don’t help you, who will?” Maya replied, her tone light, though her heart remained heavy with anxiety.

She knew all too well how ruthless loan sharks could be. The idea that they would simply let Lani go seemed far too optimistic, and Maya couldn’t shake the unease that lingered in the back of her mind.