•••••••
Clio
•••••••
I open my eyes to the shrill chorus of birds and the gentle rustling of trees, heralding a new day. A triumphant smile creeps onto my face. I’ve made it through the night. However, my jubilation is short-lived, as my protesting back reminds me to proceed with caution.
I let out a low groan, clutching my stomach, feeling the aches from sleeping on the hard ground exacerbated by the less-than-comfortable bed of leaves.
The ambient sounds of cracking tree branches and rustling leaves tell me that someone is approaching and just then, the makeshift door, formed by interwoven branches, is pulled open, signaling my cue to leave.
Rising to my feet, I make my way to the exit, where the two women await. Without uttering a word, since talking is forbidden, they guide me
