SAMANTHA
I wrapped myself tightly in my tattered clothes and stumbled back to my house. Every step sent jolts of pain through my body, and I could feel the eyes of servants and slaves on me as I passed. They whispered behind their hands, their gazes filled with pity or mockery. I didn't care. I just needed to get inside. I needed to be alone.
Scared of being caught, I slammed the door close and locked it from the inside. The click of the lock was the most reassuring sound I'd heard all day. I pressed my back against the solid wood, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. Exhausted, I collapsed against it and slid down to the floor. The rough wood scraped against my back, but I barely felt it.
