The scorching midday sun beat down mercilessly on my body. My skin burned, my chest tightened and my breath came in ragged gasps. Through the haze of heat and pain, I tilted my head and caught sight of the living room window.
Inside, Brian was tenderly applying medicine to Adeline’s wounds. My parents sat beside her, speaking softly, comforting her. The three of them looked like a warm, happy family while I was left to suffer alone.
Tears streamed from my eyes, falling to the ground below. The hot sun dried them instantly, leaving no trace. I clenched my teeth and swore silently to myself.
Just one day. I only have to endure this for one day. When I got free, I would make every single one of them pay for what they had done to me.
Meanwhile, the sunlight grew hotter and hotter. My vision blurred. The world spun wildly around me.
Finally, everything went black.
Once I regained my consciousness, I was lying in my room where I was wrapped in a soft quilt. Fresh bandages covered the wound on my shoulder, while the gauze was clean and neatly tied. I heard movement near the door, followed by the servant’s voice.