I stood up. My legs barely held me.
I walked out into the dark hallway, holding my breath, listening.
Silence.
And then, just as I reached the front door, I heard something.
A faint sound. From somewhere below me.
I stopped.
It came again. Soft. Choked.
Like somebody crying. Trying very hard not to be heard.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up.
I turned around. I walked slowly back down the hallway, toward the end, toward a corner I’d never paid attention to in all the times I’d visited.
There was an old braided rug on the floor.
I knelt down and put my ear to the boards.
The crying was clearer now. Desperate. And there was more than one voice.
I pulled back the rug.
Underneath was a wooden trapdoor with a cheap padlock hanging open on the latch. There were scratches on the floor around it. Like it had been opened and closed many times.
My heart was pounding so hard I thought it would come through my chest.
I lifted the door.
The hinges creaked. And the crying stopped. All at once. Like whoever was down there had been taught to go silent when the door opened.
I pointed my phone’s light down a steep set of wooden stairs into the dark.
“Hello?” I said. My voice cracked. “Is someone down there?”
Nothing.
I went down. One step at a time. The air was damp and cold and smelled like mildew and fear.
My light swept across the room. Old wooden crates. Folding chairs. A tripod in the corner.
And then, in the far corner, on the bare concrete floor, two girls.
Fourteen. Maybe fifteen.
Huddled together. Their wrists tied loosely with rope. Their clothes dirty. Their eyes huge in the sudden light.
One of them was shaking so hard I could hear her teeth.
The other one whispered, “Please. Please help us.”
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.