CHAPTER V

Silence.

I awoke in a dimly lit room emanating with a red glow, and broke into a fierce series of coughs and gasp as if something was choking me.

The militia went too far. I could not believe this has happened. What are we going to do? Our rights have been "suspended" and we were brutally arrested for protesting a ludicrous war in our own province.

I never felt this weak. My arms shook and gave out as I tried to sit up.

Where am I? I looked around puzzled, trying to identify the shapes in the dark room. One thing for sure, this wasn't a usual prison cell. There were no bars, no windows, and apparently no doors. This room was empty, metal wall to wall. I blinked hard a couple times, clearing a blurry vision. Seconds later I learned I wasn't the only one in this cell.

Before me lied about a dozen others. Their faces were covered in bruises and dried blood. It was hard to identify who these people were, but it was clear that they were here for the same reason.

I swayed and plumped against the wall behind me. The air was heavy. I broke into another series of coughs.

"Hanna…"

The sound of my own name made my jump. I froze and listened.

"..ann.." someone breathed.

I gazed searchingly around, trying to identify who was calling me. A heavy sigh let lose to my left.

It was Dolan.

His shirt was torn and soiled. His face was bloody, bruised, and unrecognizable.

"Jesus Christ. Dolan…" I couldn't control my nerves and broke into violent sobs. Seeing my friend like that, beaten to a pulp and barely breathing made my heart clench and my throat tighten. I inched towards him and use what strength was left to help him sit up.

"Hanna…out" He breathed.

"Hold on." I tried to gather myself.

Ok…we are….I gave the room another intense inspection. There was a shaft vent about six feet away, but with Dolan's condition that was not an option.

"…ust et out…" Dolan kept whispering with each exhale.

"Hey!" My voice cracked "Anyone's ok?"

"Hann…"

"If you can hear me…" I looked searching among the bodies around us. No one moved.

"..—hern us…"

I gathered strength and took a deep breath, "HEY! Let us out! Someone's hurt!" No one answered. There was dead silence and no echo. The room dimmed.

"What the hell?" I banged my fist against the wall "Hey! Let us out!"

Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm.

"Dolan…hang in there…" I whispered and tried to wiggle out of his grip, but it was stronger than I thought. I winced and looked up at my friend.

He starred at me with eyes wide open. In the dim, crimson glow of the room I couldn't see his face, but his gaze sent chills down my spine.

"HANNA! GET OUT!"

I don't remember standing up, but I remember standing.

How? Where did this strength come from? I looked down at Dolan.

He was dead…

His voice continuously playing in my head:

"Hanna…get out"

"Hanna you must get out…"

"HANNA, THEY WILL BURN US"