Alice IX
The second night.
He has her cage in the cellar. She’s locked in, naked except for a leather collar and cuffs around her wrists, padlocked on short chains to her neck. It’s where she belongs.
The cage is just a few feet on each side, strong metal bars, a padlocked door. She can’t stretch out, but she can curl up and rest. She’s a caged animal.
In one corner there’s a dog bowl with her name on. Water. Next to it, another with food. Brown food. Dog food, from the smell, but welcome.
She knows he has a camera on her. Maybe he’s watching now, maybe he’s recording. She thinks he records all they do and he probably publishes them on the web.
She must not pee or he’ll rub her nose in it. She can’t help it. If she makes too much mess, he’ll bring the dog in.
It’s Sunday morning, a sunny Sunday, 8am. She’s standing at the door, dressed as she arrived, bruised and hurting but happy, ready to leave.
“Thank you. Same time next month?” he asks.
Of course, silly question. just being polite.
The peck on the cheek, and she’s out of the house.
The truth is that she’s enjoyed her weekend. She needed it.