119. “THANK YOU…”

KATERINA

The moment Vincent led me through the rusted metal doors of that warehouse, the cold air hit me like a punch to the gut. The space was dimly lit by a few flickering bulbs that cast long, eerie shadows against the concrete walls. I could hear the faint drip of water in the distance, the only sound breaking the suffocating silence.

I froze as the overwhelming scent of damp and old metal filled my lungs, and my heart pounded in my chest. The air was thick with tension, and I couldn’t help but feel trapped. My hands were clammy, and a wave of nausea washed over me as I saw the two men, bound and gagged, sitting slumped against a far wall. The sight of them brought back everything. The fear. The helplessness. That night.

My breath quickened, and for a moment, I couldn’t tell if I wanted to run or scream. I looked at Vincent, my mind reeling. I didn’t know whether to feel grateful or terrified by what he had done. Every inch of my body tensed as a mix of anger and fear rose in my