ALIANA

They decide to relax and be less harsh at me.

Maybe they believe I’ve had enough. Or perhaps it seems like I’m running low on energy.

It's their mistake, assuming the drugs and fear will keep me still - truth is, anger changes how far I’ll go. Whoever told them I was easy to handle told them wrong, or maybe left out key details, like what happens once I stop holding back.

I am angry.

Mist presses into the windows while the car moves while metal bites my temple, steady and unkind. Hands bound forward - zip ties dig in - a mistake they won’t admit. The first sign...