Freedom

You know, all I wanted in life was just to be free—to see the sunlight, feel the grass
between my toes, and breathe in fresh air. Oh, I just couldn’t wait.

Day 1823 The days dragged on in the prison. Today, I got introduced to my new
cellmate. She looked like me: young, traumatized, and yearning for freedom.

Day 1830 I heard screaming from the other cells. It’s time for the monthly
“cleanse”—when they beat us to “purify” us. I just want to be free.

Later, my cellmate whispered to me, “You want to be free, don’t you?” Finally, an
answer to my silent prayers! I nodded eagerly. “Good,” she said. “I’ve already told
the others. We’re breaking out tomorrow.” My heart raced. “Tomorrow?” I asked. She
nodded, and for the first time in years, hope flickered within me.

The Escape The next day arrived. We had rehearsed the plan during our brief
playtime. When lunch came, my cellmate gave the signal. #324 stood up, climbed
onto the table, and began screaming at the top of his lungs. “You think you own us?
You think we’re animals?” His voice echoed, drawing the guards’ attention.

The distraction worked. The guards rushed toward him, shouting. Meanwhile, #123
moved like a shadow, slipping her hand into one guard’s pocket and pulling out the
keycard. With a triumphant grin, she raised it high. “Go!” my cellmate urged, and we
ran.

#123 swiped the cafeteria door open, and dozens of us bolted through, feet pounding
against the cold floor. Light spilled in from the far end of the corridor, urging us
forward. “Don’t stop!” my cellmate screamed, her voice cutting through the chaos.

The guards were behind us, shouting and firing. Some fell, but I couldn’t stop.
Freedom was so close. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my cellmate get shot.
“No!” I wanted to scream, but I kept running. Her sacrifice couldn’t be in vain.

We burst through the final door into open air. For the first time in years, I felt the sun
on my skin, warm and real. The grass beneath my feet was soft and surreal.

But the guards were still chasing us. “Split up!” I shouted. We scattered into the
forest. A bullet grazed my arm, but I kept running, eventually blending into a crowd
of people. The city was overwhelming—so many faces, so much noise. I ducked into
a smelly alleyway to hide until the coast was clear.

When I finally emerged, I walked slowly, taking in the world around me. Was this
freedom?
A New Beginning As I stumbled through the streets, I bumped into a kind-looking
lady. I fell to the ground, too weak to stand properly. “Oh, you poor thing,” she said,
noticing my injured arm. “What happened to you? Come with me. I’ll help you.”

I followed her to her home, a cozy place filled with decorations I’d never seen before.
She sat me down in a soft chair—so much softer than anything I’d known. “I’ll get
my first aid kit,” she said, returning with a red box. She gently cleaned my wound,
wrapping it in a bandage.

“What’s your name?” she asked. I hesitated. “I don’t have one,” I admitted.

Her face softened. “Well, if you don’t have a name, I’ll give you one. How about...
Artemis?”

I nodded. It felt right. “Artemis,” I repeated, testing the sound.

“Nice to meet you, Artemis. My name is Ivy. Welcome to your new home.” For the
first time, I felt safe.

Six Years Later I stand in the florist shop, arranging lilies and roses. The scent of
fresh blooms fills the air, grounding me in this peaceful moment. Ivy gave me more
than a name; she gave me a life. Here, among the flowers, I’ve found healing and
purpose.

“Artemis, can you help me with this delivery?” Ivy calls from the back.

“Coming!” I reply, smiling. I load the box onto the delivery bike and ride to the
address. When the door opens, I freeze. Standing before me is #324—Wyatt now.

“Artemis?” he asks, his face lighting up with recognition.

“Wyatt,” I whisper, shocked. “How are you?”

We step inside, awkward but warm. As we talk, memories resurface, but so does
hope. We share our struggles and dreams, realizing we’ve both come so far. “Maybe
we can help each other move forward,” I suggest.

Wyatt smiles. “Together sounds good.”

The Future As I ride back to the shop, the world feels a little smaller, yet so full of
possibilities. Freedom isn’t just escaping the walls that trapped me; it’s building a life
where I can thrive. And now, I’m free—truly free.

The End