When you visit our website, if you give your consent, we will use cookies to allow us to collect data for aggregated statistics to improve our service and remember your choice for future visits. Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy
Dear Reader, we use the permissions associated with cookies to keep our website running smoothly and to provide you with personalized content that better meets your needs and ensure the best reading experience. At any time, you can change your permissions for the cookie settings below.
If you would like to learn more about our Cookie, you can click on Privacy Policy.
••••••• 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