He had come to her three times. So far, he had not actually come into her little prison. He had only come to the door to speak with herto tease her. She supposed if he did ever actually come inside her prison, she would have to fight. Shed fight as much as she could because her mind went to the worst possible place: that he would rape her or kill her.

She backed away from the door. Instinct told her to go back and cower in the corner. But if he did come inside, that would be the worst place for her to be. He wouldnt be expecting her to be right there at the door, waiting.

She decided right then and there that if he opened the door, she was going to make a run for it. Shed go right past him and slide out one of the far sides of the door. Her knees ached in anticipation, wanting to run.

The man tapped on the door from the outside. The sound was hollow but almost musical. Hows my little one? he asked.

She said nothing. She waited to see what else he had to say. She wondered if there was some way she could make him open the door. She knew she couldnt open it from the inside. So if he would just open it…then maybe shed have a chance.

Answer me, Mercy.

He knows my name, she thought. It sent a flare of terror through her heart. Still, she said nothing.

Heres the deal, the man said. Ive had you for a little over three days. I know youre hungry. Those crackers arent cutting it. And how many sodas do you have left? Wouldnt you like some refreshing cold water?

Her mouth ached at the mention of cold water. She almost spoke out to him at the mere thought of it. It was like a chess game, trying to figure out what his next move might be.

Let me try it this way, then, he said. Mercy…no one knows where you are. Only me. I hold your fate in my hands. After a while, I suppose Ill let you go. Maybe. But if you stand any chance of making it back home, you are going to have to talk to me. Do you understand? He paused here for a moment and then, with delight in his voice, he added: Besides, you miss your parents, right? Dont you want to know how theyre doing? All you have to do it speak with me a bit…and Ill let you know.

She stifled back a cry at the thought of her parents. And with that surge of emotion, she was unable to keep her words from coming out.

What do you want? she asked.

Ah, theres my girl. You have a beautiful voice, Mercy.

What do you want? she asked again, her voice tearful and broken this time.