As if the universe heard my resolve, the door creaked open, and a lady stepped inside. She was dressed in a white coat like the men I'd seen, and underneath, she wore a plain red dress. Her face was as stiff and as cold as the table under me.
Her gaze moved toward me, and I instinctively closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep. I needed to play this right. She approached me, the sound of her shoes echoing ominously in the sterile room.
"Miss Lena," she called softly. "It's time for your medication."
I waited, holding my breath as she leaned closer. My heart was roaring, not from fear this time, but from anticipation. Slowly, I opened my eyes and feigned a yawn.
"I don't feel so good," I mumbled, keeping my voice low and pretending to be weak. "I think I'm going to vomit."
The nurse paused, her hand hesitating over the syringe. "Really? Just breathe, sweetie. It'll be over in a moment."
Her distraction was my opening.
With a swift motion, I reached out for a metal tray resting on the table beside me. I gripped it tightly, waiting for the right moment, amplifying my strength. In one fluid motion, I swung the tray upward and struck her across the temple. She crumpled to the floor, her body collapsing with a loud thud.
"Now, let's make this quick," I muttered to myself, glancing around the room for any signs of danger. The room was eerily silent, save for the faint hum of machines. I turned my attention to the nurse who was slumped lifelessly on the floor, and quickly retrieved the keys from her pocket. My hands trembled as I fumbled with the keys, unlocking the chains that held me down.
The restraints fell away, and I wasted no time in pulling myself off the table. My legs felt weak under me, but I pushed through the discomfort. I had to get out.
With a deep breath, I steadied myself and listened for any signs of life beyond the door.
The door stood ajar, and slowly I edged toward it, fighting against the pain that was radiating through my body. I could hear faint murmurs outside—doctors, nurses, maybe even my father. Everywhere felt like it was heavily guarded. I had to be careful.
I peeked through the crack in the door, holding my breath in fear. The hallway was empty, but I knew it wouldn't be long before someone came looking for the nurse. Time was running out.
I stepped outside and shut the door behind me. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, making me feel even more apprehensive. It felt like invisible eyes were tailing my every move.
I had no idea where I was or how far I needed to go to find freedom, but I knew I had to move. My heart thudded against my ribs as I took off down the corridor, moving as quietly as I could.
I passed several closed doors, wondering what was behind each one. But then I caught sight of a large exit sign glowing at the end of the hall. I let out a shaky breath; freedom was within reach.
I tiptoed toward the exit, making sure the sound of my footsteps didn't echo against the sterile tiles. But just as I reached the door, I heard a voice behind me, calling out:
"Hey! Stop!"
"No!" I screamed, flung the door open and bolted outside.