Page 3 of Psyop Kings

Where was I?

A lead.

I was meeting a lead regarding my classmate Megan’s disappearance.

My breathing quickens as I desperately try to piece together my last memory. With the intensified breathing comes a fresh wave of panic over my air supply. I frantically beat my fists on every reachable surface of my wooden cage.

Help!

I feel like I croak out the word, but the sound barely reaches my ears. All I can hear is the blood rushing in my head and the dull thuds of my hands beating on the wood.

Someone put me here. I’m not going to be able to beat my way out of this box I’m in. I need to focus—to pay attention to what I do know.

There was a note about Megan. Bar. And then what?

A cute guy. A little flirting. A drink. A distraction from my task.

Was he the lead?

I don’t think so.

He never mentioned a note.

As I waited for the person I was to meet, I got lured into conversation with…

Green eyes. Floppy brown hair. Crooked grin.

Theo.

I’d become transfixed by a guy I’d just met. Did he roofie my drink and then kidnap me?

I can’t make my thoughts come together to create a clear picture of the puzzle I’m attempting to finish. Usually, puzzles are my superpower. Now, however, everything is fragmented and confusing.

Whatever happened, it wasn’t good. It led to me being confined to this coffin-like space with sketchy recollections. If I have any chance of getting out of here, I need to pay attention to what I’m working with.

So whatamI working with?

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

Despite sweating profusely and soaking through my clothes, I’m thankful I still have them. My kidnapper hasn’t raped me.

Yet.

A ball of emotion clogs my throat, but I swallow it down, ignoring that terrible line of thinking.

Listen, Romy.

I’m reminded of my therapist. She wanted me to listen—to ground myself to the moment rather than letting my unraveling thoughts tear my brain in half. But this exercise was only a coping mechanism. Right now, it’s a useful tool for saving my own life.

The stakes have never been higher.

Thud.

I think I heard something. My breaths come out ragged and too noisy. Pressing my lips together, I suppress another whine and strain my ears to hear something—anything.

Nothing.

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