But again, that hadn’t worked for the three women who had been here before her.
Avery was sure they had prayed for a savior.
A savior that never came.
Still, she couldn’t give up. She couldn’t just lie back and lethim slowly kill her, broken bone by broken bone. It wasn't in her nature to just lie back and take things.
He may have kidnapped her; he may have locked her away here; he may be going to hurt her; he may have all the power, but there was one little thing she still had control over.
How she chose to act.
She could be the compliant little doll he wanted her to be, or she could fight him every step of the way.
Fighting presented serious challenges. He had warned her of the consequences of disobeying him. He wouldn’t set the breaks, and he wouldn’t give her anything for the pain if she fought him.
Obeying would be the safer option.
She just wasn't sure she could do it.
How could she justlethim hurt her and do nothing to stop it from happening?
Even if it was pointless, she had to try.
Avery just had to ready herself for the pain. She didn't have a very high threshold for physical pain; she usually had to dope herself up on painkillers after getting a shot, but now she had to be strong.
She heard the sound of the door opening, and her resolve instantly wavered.
Could she really do this?
What choice did she have?
She could roll over and do nothing, or she could do what she could to fight back. Maybe if she was lucky, the lack of treatment of her broken bones might even lead her to a quick—albeit painful—death.
That was something she had never imagined would cross her mind, but it was her new reality.
Pain and a slow death or pain and a quick death. There was pain either way, so she may as well at least hope that the end was hastened.
Avery expected to see the man carrying another plate of food. He’d brought her three meals already, and although she was his prisoner, he certainly didn't feed her like one. For breakfast, he’d brought her a tray full of French toast, waffles, pancakes, fruit, toast, and an array of cereals. Lunch had been a huge salad sandwich with French fries. And dinner had been lasagna with a side of steamed vegetables. It was clear it was important to him that she remain as physically healthy as possible. He wanted her alive. He wanted her to survive. He wanted to achieve his goal of breaking every bone in a living victim’s body.
But this time, he didn't have food in his hands.
“Evening, Avery.” He smiled at her. It was a weird smile. Not creepy per se, but not warm either—more arrogant and condescending. He liked having the upper hand; it made him feel strong. He was a big guy, and she was barely five foot one; it didn't prove that he was a strong guy to be able to hurt her.
Avery offered no response since she wasn't sure what the right one was. It seemed the better option was to just remain silent for now.
Besides, she needed to focus.
She may as well attempt to make a dash for freedom every time one presented itself.
He had put the key in a pocket inside his sweater. The chances of her getting to it were pretty slim, but she was going to try anyway.
“It’s time to roll the dice,” he announced.
She didn't know what that meant, but she knew it was nothing good. She’d thought she would have more time before he started his broken bone quest. Obviously, she was wrong. He was ready and raring to get going.
“Let’s see how lucky you are today.” He pulled a large dice from a pocket and tossed it from hand to hand. “Ones are for feet, twos are for legs, threes are for hands, fours are for arms,fives for the torso, and six for the face.”
It took a moment for what he’d just said to sink in.