The bundle of clothing shifts again and stands up to full height.

And a mass of tussled long hair falls upon his shoulders.

It's Ichi. With a blanket.

Relief floods through me and suddenly, my whole body aches.

I cringe in pain and curl into a ball, my eyes screwing shut.

My wrists feel black and blue, my feet feel raw, my back feels strained, and my arms and legs feel like they had been stabbed with a million needles.

But the ropes are no longer there. And I'm sitting on my bed, not dirt or cold metal.

A hand comes to rest on my shoulder.

I peer out from under my little sanctuary and see his face in the lamplight.

His smile glows.

I burst into tears.