Poland, 1944
A young woman ran down a dark corridor, glancing over her shoulder sometimes to make sure no one was following her.
Behind bars, people screamed and begged for help, but there was nothing she could do. As much as she wanted to save them, she had to protect herself—and the unborn child growing inside her, the fruit of her forbidden love.
She should never have fallen for him. But that love had saved her from death. She acted selfishly, yet in those desperate moments, no one thought of playing the hero. Everyone was trying to save their own life—no matter the cost.
She stopped at the next bend, hearing voices echoing from afar. Pressing her body against the cold wall, she covered her mouth, trying to stifle the heavy breaths she couldn't help after the long run. She knew how risky this was—how close to death she was. If he found out she was trying to escape, there would be no mercy, even though she carried his child.
She longed to break free, to sever the chains that bound her to him forever. Her love wasn't strong enough to keep her here. She could no longer bear the injustice inflicted upon the innocent.
From beneath her dress, she pulled out a black-and-white photograph—a handsome man in uniform. The only photo she had managed to steal from his office.
She traced her finger over the glossy surface, then pressed it to her heart. Peeking from behind the wall, she waited for the voices to fade. When the footsteps grew lighter, she knew it was safe to move.
She remembered the layout of the building—she had committed the General's office to memory without raising suspicion.
At a heavy metal door, she paused, glancing behind to ensure no one was near. She opened it slowly, the foul stench hitting her immediately. Still, she pressed forward, descending the stairs cautiously.
Her heart froze when she saw what lay behind the bars below. Bloodied bodies were chained, struggling for breath. Many moaned in pain, begging silently for help.
Her eyes locked on a young girl, bound and hanging limply just above the floor.
She could not ignore her. Risking everything, she decided to help.
Looking around to confirm no guards were nearby, she placed the photograph—still clenched in her hand—on the cold floor. With practiced fingers, she untied the girl, who collapsed helplessly into her arms.
She gripped the battered girl tightly and froze when the sound of a metal door echoed behind her. Pushing panic aside, she led the semi-conscious girl toward the exit, forgetting all about the photograph.
Her only focus was escape—saving them both.
Finally, relief flooded her as she spotted the massive door ahead—the gateway to freedom.
Exhausted beyond measure, she refused to give up. She knew this was her only chance.