Unfettering

Unfettering; the act of setting free from the power of another, as from slavery, subjection, dependence or controlling influence. 

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Amara’sPOV

Someone was following me!

I turned back but I saw nothing, only darkness staring back at me.

If I try to increase my pace, I would get to the train station within minutes.

I felt It again, it was as if someone was right behind me but when I turned back……

No one was there!

My subconscious told me someone may be lurking in the shadows, waiting for a vulnerable moment for me. Getting ready to attack and strangle life out of me. 

I shouldn’t waste any more time by slowing down, I can get killed for what I saw, Just like they were killed by what they had done! 

As I closed my eyes, trying to calm down, the memories came back; mama’s screams for help, Charles’ subtle tears and papa’s hard glare that was unchanging and after a second, all I could see was blood, decorating the floor of my father’s apartment. 

I quickly stopped myself from breaking down in the middle of the road in tears and crying out till I lost my voice.

I trembled just as the thunder tumbled through the sky and before I could blink, I was drenched in a heavy downpour.

Maybe the heavens are against me tonight!

I heard footsteps. I paused a bit before trying to turn but then I realized, turning would be dangerous and it might be the most stupid thing I’d done tonight. 

I imagined I was in a movie, one where the female protagonist was running in the rain on a dark night, Running away from the unknown. Scared and lonely. 

But it wasn’t a movie, it is my life. 

I clutched the dollar note and the piece of paper that was with me tightly to my hand. I couldn’t afford to lose it or let it get drenched in the rain, it is my only hope to survive. 

“Please, how do I get a train to New York?” I asked the lady sitting at one of the receptions of the train station. I had managed to get to the train station unhurt and I can’t be grateful yet, not after everything I’d gone through tonight.

The lady scrutinized me from head to toe. I know it was weird for a girl like me, wearing just a nightgown, on a cold night, lonely, to walk up to anyone and ask for a train ticket.

“Do you need help, young girl?” She asked out of pity.

“Yes! But the only help I’ll need right now is you getting me a ticket to New York” I told her. 

She turned back to her computer and typed something on the computer.

“Where in New York are you going to?” She asked.

I unfolded the paper I'd been holding to see where I’m supposed to head. “New York city” I replied

“There’s one last train heading to that place and the ticket from Trenton, New Jersey here to New York City is 20 dollars” She informed me apologetically. It appeared that the price had hiked because it was the last train out of town that night.

I counted the money with me and realized I was lucky enough to have 35 dollars with me. I stretched the twenty dollars to her and she collected it. 

“Here’s your ticket” She also brought out some clothing. “Also, a jacket to keep you warm through the journey” She said with a smile on her face. Unknowingly, a tear dropped from my eyes. 

“Thank you. Thank you” She nodded.

Time wasn’t on my side, so I quickly made my way to the train and sat at the farthest corner away from every other person on the train which was a spot beside the window. I looked closely at the door to see if anyone strange won’t come after me but I’m thankful enough that no one did. 

I waited till the journey started before putting my head against the window and cried my eyes out. It became clear that my family had just been ripped away from me untimely. I’ve lost a father, mother and a brother all in one night. 

I clutched the remaining 15 dollars and the paper tightly to my chest. I checked out the jacket properly before putting it on. Once I tucked my hands into the jacket to keep myself warm, I saw there was a pocket knife in it. The lady had been trying to tell me to keep myself safe. 

So I held the knife closely with my other free hand, cleaned my tears and waited for the journey to start. 

Not knowing what the time is, I waited patiently until the journey started and through the whole trip, tears slipped down my face once in a while, but I quickly wiped it off trying not to show my weakness. 

This is not the time for weakness, this is the time of survival. 

One hour later, the train arrived in New York city and I was the last person to get down from the train. I moved closer to another receptionist to ask her where I could get a bus to where I was going. 

“Hi, where can I get a cab to Maiden lane?” I asked hastily. There’s no assurance that what had followed me in Trenton hasn't followed me to New York too.

“There’s an alley right behind this station, if you walk through it, you’ll get to a place where you can get a bus to Maiden lane or probably a cab” 

She instructed

“Okay, thank you” 

I was about leaving when she stopped me. 

“Are you okay?” 

Can people stop asking if I’m okay? I’m not okay. I’ve just lost my family and I think I’m being followed, so I’m not okay. I’m not okay. I wanted to scream.

Instead I faked a smile and nodded. 

She sat back and focused on her laptop while I made my way to the Alley.

On siting it, I realized it was dark, there was barely any light or any person passing through it. Just a ray of light shining from both sides of the street, reflected into it.

Cold Shivers ran down my spine one more time, I was scared for myself because of what could happen to me if I walked through this alley at this moment. 

Summoning up the courage, I moved closer but then a woman passed beside me and started walking through it. That gave me the courage to go through it but I decided I won’t stop for anything, I was going to move at a fast pace.

I smiled as I saw the entrance leading out to the alley, thinking I had made it until a hand dragged me back into the alley. The hand was not only holding me by the hair but another hand was holding me tight by my waist. 

No! No!! Not like this!!