Huddled against a corner of the room, Bella stirred to the sound of faint chirping. Her brown curls, wet with tears, were splayed on her face as she gingerly pushed herself off the ground. Her sky blue knee-length dress torn and tattered, she limped to the small window - the only source of light she recognized. The pain in her lower region intensifying, she collapsed onto the ground, but not before catching sight of the little brown sparrow.
Birds. The symbol of liberation and hope for many. With their wings stretched to the fullest, they take flight and soar towards the skies without ever a hint of regret.
Sometimes, she wished to be like a bird. To be free from all the chains of life and fly to freedom.
"F-freedom," she whispered through her chapped lips.
It had been months since she had said a proper word instead of shrieking for someone to rescue her.
It had been months since she had started living with her adoptive parents who left her with scars and bruises every chance they got.
It had been months of praying and weeping.
It had been months since she has forgotten what hope was.
"Hey Bella, look who's home,"
The door shut, the echoes resonating in an eerie fashion, blocking the muffled screams from the outside world. Hope was something that would have to wait.