Abigail’s Second Life

Screams echoed through the basement.

Zeke's fingers bled profusely. His whole body trembled as the stream of curses he spewed earlier vanished.

Kevin leaned against the car, staring at him coldly.

Saltwater splashed onto Zeke's wounds, making his face contort in agony. His fingers quivered violently until he couldn't take it any longer. In the end, he cried out, "Alright, alright! I'll talk!"

Irene lay weakly on the cold, hard bed, her neck chained to a stake in the ground.

Outside, rain pattered softly.

Wrapped in a thin blanket and suffering from blood loss, she teetered on the edge of death.

"This girl's got a fiery temper and nearly lost her life. Noah says we need to patch her up, or she'll die. We spent too much on her. She still needs to give birth to more sons for Walter's family. Otherwise, it's not much of an investment."

"What a waste of money! We even have to foot her medical bills..."

The voices of a man and a woman could be heard outside the door. Irene couldn't stop the tears from flowing.

Will I never find peace, not even in death?

"They say she's a university student from Capitalis, an artist with good genes. If she gives birth to a son who makes it to Capitalis, Walter's family will be known far and wide."

The man's voice was full of anticipation.

chubby

and handed her a bowl

gritted her teeth, refusing

escape from this valley. Even if you die, they'll find a way to bring you

go!"

woman pried open her mouth, forcing the medicine down her throat. "You're so naive, coming here from the big city, believing what anyone says.

leaned over and retched

hadn't let up in

the infection from the

the wounds,

the local doctor, checked

to go to a hospital. This infection won't heal without proper treatment. If we don't get he there soon, she won't last."

cigarette, Walter grimaced. "We spent thousands on her,

stood up, grabbed a broom, and swung it hard

passing out from

a feverish haze, Irene felt herself

her way to be

the dark room without a word, wanting nothing more than to burn the entire village

no time to waste. "We

up!" Kevin muttered as he placed Irene on the helicopter. Onboard,

the beatings, and he could only imagine her

Kevin. I'm here to rescue