Light to the Darkness

CHAPTER 1

Come out, come out, wherever you are, he sang out.

I stayed on my hands and knees, praying my heart would stay quiet. I could feel the dirt and shards of glass under my palms. I held my breath, trying to force myself to slow my hammering heart. We played this sick game of his several times and I knew he was going to find me. The question was only how long he would let me hide and how long he pretended to look. I came to the conclusion he enjoyed giving me hope only to demonstrate he had the power to diminish it.

The warehouse was scattered with decay. Old furniture was left abandoned and haphazardly discarded about. Pallets covered in dust and grim were randomly stacked, or sat propped up along the walls. Papers and empty boxes carpeted the cement flooring. Large pillars, covered in peeling paint, trailed the length of the building and graffiti decorated the brick walls.

The ceiling was higher on this side of the warehouse. The only dim rays of light filtered through the gaps from disrepair in the roofing. I could hear the rain drumming on the metal above and water pooling on the floor from the leaks. I slowly inhaled the smell of mildew and wet wood while trying to slow my rapid breathing.

I could still hear him counting from the center of the room. He was never consistent with how long he would count when we would play this sick game. I quickly crawled from behind a rusty filing cabinet and tucked myself under an old desk. I stayed there, crouched and holding my knees to my chest. The movement to the new hiding spot made me aware of my growing soreness. I could feel rocks and glass stuck into my palms and knees.

I felt an overall weakness and pain throughout my body. I closed my eyes to concentrate on breathing evenly and tried to push the pains out of my mind. Resting my head on my knees, I hoped my arms around me would muffle my pounding heartbeat. If my heart or lungs didn’t betray me, surely my empty stomach would.

I heard his heavy footsteps echoing. They sounded like they were moving away from me. A little part of me celebrated inside. I always thought that if I had a little more time to hide, I could find my way out of here. The only door I saw so far was the one he comes and leaves from each day, never forgetting to lock it behind him with keys he kept on him at all times. I took a few more deep and deliberate breaths to stop from panting.

His footsteps stopped on the other side of the warehouse. I crawled forward, just enough to peak around the side of the desk. He was leaning against a pillar with his phone lighting his face. Apparently my tormentor must have a life, outside of making mine a living hell. I sat up so many nights wondering what kind of life he leads when he's done with me. Is he somebody's husband, father, or son? Does he go home to a family and eat dinner like he doesn’t have a hidden hobby?

I shuffled back into the nook under the desk. In front of me, there was a board of plywood leaning against a pillar. Confident he couldn't see me, I quickly scurried to it. With my back against the board as a shield, I squeezed my eyes shut and waited for his arms of evil to wrap around me to drag me back to my cage. I opened my eyes and stared straight ahead bracing for impact, only to hear his footsteps start again. This time the steps moved even further away from me.

I relaxed, only a fraction, and slid myself up to my feet. My hands were throbbing, so I tried to inspect them in the darkness and a sliver of light crossed my skin. Light was something I hadn’t seen in a while and my heart picked up it’s pace. I followed the path of light to the wall on my left. The light was peaking through a boarded up window at the top of the wall. The boards looked dilapidated enough that I might be able to get through, if I was only able to get up there.

I stepped forward to turn around and instantly missed the shield against my back. Fear engulfed me as I stood, unprotected and unguarded in the darkness. There was a second floor above the opposite side of the warehouse. There was a door and a large dark window facing me, but I couldn’t see any stairs that led there. My eyes slowly followed the railing in front of the office window and door.

My heart sped as I started to make out the metal walkway, leading from the office, along the wall and right past the broken window. I slammed myself back against the board as my eyes followed the walkway to the stairs in the corner behind me.

My heart jumped into overdrive and I knew there was no way of calming it now. Without another thought, I limped my way toward the steps as quickly as my sorry body would let me. My hand finally slapped into the rusted cold metal of the rails as my knees fell to the first step. I could hear the echo of the soft thud from the impact and knew he must have heard it too. I was confirmed with answering echoes of his running footsteps. I pulled myself up and tried to run up the stairs.

My heart was pounding in my ears so loud, I couldn’t hear how close my captor was. I felt fear rush over my body like a wave, but kept looking straight ahead. I tried to think of nothing but the broken window that I needed to reach, until I felt his hand on my ankle. I fell forward as he pulled me back toward him. Tears broke through and I cried out as I linked my fingers through the metal grating. I started kicking with all that I had. My ankle finally broke free and I pulled myself up, scrambling to the top landing.

I could see his shadow lifting himself off the floor and start for the bottom of the stairs again. I prayed the neglected metal would give way on him, making him crash to the ground. I ran and slammed into the boarded window. The wood was falling away from the window, and some light streamed through. I pulled at the boards, making a large enough opening to fit through, and punched my already pained fist through the glass.

As I climbed up and pushed myself through, I could hear him yelling at me to stop. He threatened of what would happen when he caught me. I felt burning and tearing at my sides and stomach as I shoved myself to the outside. The overcast sun blinded me, giving me an instant headache. Pains shot throughout my body like lightening bolts

I was relieved to find a rooftop on the outside of the window, and not just a drop down two stories. I struggled to free myself from the shards of glass that I was caught on. Finally, I broke free and fell to the rooftop. I turned around to see his face in the opening I just escaped through. He was enraged, glowing red and fear paralyzed me for a moment. He started to rip and pull at the boards, pounding away the leftover glass.

Ma'am!

I scrambled to my feet and turned to run.

Ma'am! Please.... It wasn’t his voice I heard, and it sounded so far away.

The light I wasn’t used to made my eyes water and vision blurry. I could see the end of the roof was near and stopped right before the edge. What was I going to do now? I frantically looked for any other escape, but my tormentor was pulling himself through the window.

Ma'am... tell ... name... safe, I felt dizzy and the voice sounded even farther way. I wobbled on the edge of the rooftop.

Please... calm... help! Lights flickered in front of my eyes as the sensation of falling washed over me. Hands holding my arms down evoked a new panic in my body and I let out a scream.

Ma'am...please... safe. The voice sounded closer as white walls came in to focus. A blur of faces came in and out of vision, until everything was darkness.

A persisting beeping played in my mind. The insides of my eyelids were brighter than usual and a sterile smell burned my nose. My eyelids were heavy as I struggled to pry them open. Soft, white light filled my eyes and I instantly shut them from the intensity.

I felt groggy, confused and tired. I thought I could go back to sleep for a little longer. Then, I promised myself I would wake up. A warm hand touched my arm making me jump. Sharp pains shot through my body from every direction. I couldn’t even begin comprehend where the pain was coming from.

I'm sorry to startle you, dear, but I'm afraid I need your name, asked a sweet and soft voice.

I opened my mouth to answer, but felt nothing by dryness. I opened and closed my mouth like a fish, trying to find the words. The friendly voice knew what I needed and a straw found my lips. After not enough sips, the straw deserted me. I felt dizzy and drowsy again. I felt my body swaying even though I was pretty sure I was sitting still.

Dear...your name? asked the sweet, but now pushy voice.

Natalie. Natalie Bradshaw, I finally answered in hopes I could sleep just for a little longer.

I opened my eyes what felt like minuets later, freezing cold. I reached for my blankets and the jolting pain returned to my body, shocking me still. I wasn’t sure if the whine I heard came from my mouth, because it didn’t really sound like me. Why do I hurt this bad? Tiny bolts of pain scattered all over me, from my head, through my neck, in my chest and stomach, down my arms and legs. I took some deep breaths and braced myself to open my eyes. It was dark when I opened them a crack and a fear coursed through me.

Honey, what do you need? You cold? asked my mother’s voice from beside me. Confusion, happiness and worry filled my foggy mind. She was bending over me, pulling some more covers over me. I couldn’t make out much in the dark, but I could see the tiredness in her usually bright face. Her face was red and her eyes were tearing up as she looked down at me.

Mom? I managed to rasp out.

Shh. Honey, you need to sleep. I'm right here. I promise, she whispered with a reassuring smile as she patted my hand. I felt uneasy and wanted to sit up to find out what was bothering her. My head decided to gain ten pounds at that moment and I needed to rest. Just for minute or two though, I told myself. Then, I would find out why my mom looked like a train wreck.

I woke up later feeling like I was late for something. I had that feeling you get when you wake up and you just know you’re late. The brightness showing through my eyelids was much brighter than usual. I felt more rested than I usually did when I woke up. A panic coursed through my mind and my body became instantly alert. My eyelids sprung open. Visions of white lights, walls and blinds assaulted my eyes. My heart started pounding with fear and somewhere, there was an annoying beeping keeping up with my heart. I squinted and tried to take in my surroundings.

CHAPTER 2

I finally came to the conclusion that I was in a hospital. Unfortunately, the preceding events I had in mind were not a dream, and in fact must be real. My mother was holding my hand and smiling at me. She looked tired, worried and relieved, all at the same time. My hand was covered in gauze and my index finger was in a metal brace. Tubes were running out from inside my arm and off to the side of the bed.

My dad and my sister were sitting on the opposite bed. I was almost taken aback by the sight of my mother and father in the same room together. My parents had been divorced since I was ten years old. Even before the divorce, they didn't get along and seldom spoke to each other. When we were kids and my mom or dad dropped us off at the other's house, they would stay in the car and kept as much distance between each other as possible.

My sister, Hannah, leaned forward and hugged me. Tears swelled in my eyes as I held my little sister. I missed her so much and I thought, at one time, I would never see her again. Hannah was two years younger and we were very close. Especially now that we have grown up, we no longer bickered like we were kids. We considered each other our best friends.

She kissed my cheek as she pulled away, revealing tears in her eyes as well. My dad stepped forward and took my other bandaged hand. He gave me a kiss on the forehead and brushed some hair off my face. He looked worried and stressed, as always. My father was a lawyer in an office downtown and worked long hours. When my sister and I would see him occasionally, he would always complain about work and his cases. My family was just staring at me with expressions I have never seen on them before.

I took the awkward moment to look around me. I was definitely in the hospital. I heard people chatting in the hallway and carts rolling by. There was a large window to my right with a small love seat in front of it. The seat was covered with purses, blankets, and tote bags. It looked like Hannah moved in with me.

The blinds were closed, but pulled up about a foot, allowing the only light that was in the room. My mother sat on a padded chair to the right of my bed. The over-bed table next to her was cluttered with iPhones and paperwork. Next to the door, sat a man I didn’t think I knew. I squinted and tried to place his face while he got up and stepped out of the room.

My mom started crying. Oh, baby. I'm so happy to see you. I was just so worried.

I'm fine, mom. Please, don't cry, I told her, wondering if that was even true.

I tried to rub her hand to comfort her, but pain jolted through me. I cried out loud as my whole body felt like it was crumbling. I couldn’t even tell where the pain had started. Everyone in the room reached to comfort me as I tried to catch my breath. An older woman in scrubs rushed in and ushered my dad and sister from my side.

Would you guys mind leaving the room, please? The doctor will see her now, she whispered to my family.

My dad nodded and put his arm around my sister to lead her out. My mom stayed put by my side for a minute, before finally reluctantly finally left my side. I tried to give her a reassuring smile as she walked out. I hated to see her worry or be upset. I spent most of my life telling her everything was fine when it may not be. I never told her when I was struggling with something so I didn’t have to worry her. I had no idea if this is one of those times or not. When she was out of sight I continued gasping and let the tears come freely.

Miss Bradshaw, my name is Shirley. I’m your nurse this morning, she told me. It's good to see you up. How are you feeling? The doctor is going to be in any second now. Even though she talked so fast I couldn’t answer, she sounded friendly with a soft and soothing voice. She rubbed my arms and smiled down at me.

Shirley looked like she was one of those grandmothers that would spoil you with treats every time you visit. She went over to write on a dry erase board on the wall as a man in a white coat entered, carrying a clipboard. I assumed he was the doctor and the man from my room earlier followed behind him. I now noticed the man was in a police uniform. My heart skipped a beat as reality kicked in and memories assaulted me. Shirley tiptoed out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.

The doctor took the seat my sister was in, while the officer took the other side of me. Miss Bradshaw, do you know where you are? the doctor asked me.

The hospital? I rasped out. I hadn’t spoken since I woke up and didn’t realize how dry my mouth really was. The officer quickly handed me a small Styrofoam cup of water. I gratefully drank the water, feeling both of their eyes on me.

I'm Dr. Victor and you are at Fairview Hospital. Do you know where that is?

I nodded yes. The hospital wasn’t far away from where I lived.

Miss, you had quite a fall. Do you remember what happened to you?

I nodded yes while tears started to form. I was suddenly acutely aware of everything around me. I was in a hospital bed and I had no idea if I could even move. I tried to catalog in my mind what hurt on my body and gave up. It was easier to decide what didn’t hurt at this moment.

Flashes and images started flashing in my mind. His face. His words. My heart started to race and the annoying beeping was keeping up, announcing it to the room. The doctor finally reached up and pushed a button on the monitor next to me, silencing it.

Natalie, he said in a very gentle voice. You were brought in six days ago with several injuries. You have three broken fingers, a sprained ankle, some broken ribs, and other lacerations, some requiring stitching, along with other major bruising. You were malnourished and severely dehydrated, which we are treating intravenously now. You have been in and out of consciousness, until now. We are keeping you comfortable with morphine at the moment. You suffered quite an ordeal and you are very lucky.

Funny, I didn’t feel too lucky right now. I sat still and tried to soak all the information just poured on me. I had been here six days. I started to go over every pain I had in my head again. Both men were watching me, waiting for me to speak. I became very self-conscious of my reactions for some reason. I held back the tears and emotions in my face. I didn’t want these men to see me crying, or anyone for that matter.

Dr. Victor was closely watching me and glancing at the monitors every now and then. I took a look at the man to my right. He was wearing a police uniform and a serious face. He looked young, maybe my age, mid twenties. He had black mussed hair and strong cheekbones. He had broad shoulders and looked to be muscular under the blue uniform. The thought that he was pretty attractive crossed my mind. I had to look away to hide my blush.

Do you have any questions? the doctor asked.

Only a billion, I thought. Instead, I nodded no. I couldn’t really think enough to form words into questions at the moment. I felt oddly calm, but full of fear and uncertainty at the same time.

Are you sure? You may be experiencing some shock right now. When everything sinks in for you I will be happy to answer any questions, he assured me. He seemed kind and genuinely concerned.

Now, this is Officer Lucas Chadwick. He is with the Cleveland Police Department. He needs to ask you some questions and get a statement from you. After you're done with that, we can give you another dose of the pain medication. We held back for a while so you could wake up and be coherent. I'm sure you're feeling a lot of pain now. Maybe we can even get you some food in you too, the doctor said. He gave me a friendly smile and stood up.

The doctor made some notes on his clipboard and moved to the back of the room, but didn’t leave. The police officer had a notepad in hand and set a voice recorder on the bed near my knee.

Natalie? I am Officer Chadwick with the Cleveland Police Department. I need to ask you some questions, he said to me. I noticed he had green piercing eyes for the first time. Do you know what happened to you? he asked gently.

Yes sir. I... I think so, I answered. I hated the sound of my voice when I heard it. I sounded weak and raspy.

Can you tell me how you ended up in the middle of Cedar Avenue?

I searched my mind for the memories. I last remembered running up the stairs and pulling off the boards to get out the window, and then being on a rooftop. I searched my mind for what happened before that. Images were flashing in front of my eyes, making my head ache. I pictured the barred cage I was held captive in. Playing hide and seek with the man I didn’t know. His voice and face were burned into my mind.

I remembered standing in the parking lot of the mall. My keys were in hand as I struggled with my purse and shopping bag. I only came to grab a gift for my friend, Jessica. We were getting together to go out for her birthday that Saturday night, so I bought her favorite perfume. I was walking quickly to avoid getting soaked by the rain. I hit the unlock key on my keychain and reached for the handle. At that moment, a hand covered my mouth and I was pulled away from my car.

My heart started pounding and my throat ran dry. I struggled for air and started taking quick, shallow breaths. The officer slightly backed away from my bed as Dr. Victor came over. He pressed a few buttons on the monitors behind me and handed me a Dixie cup of water. The room was silent while I sat and sipped the water. The doctor made some notes on the chart then turned to watch me.

Would you like to take a break? the