THE BABY

Halle awoke with a gasp, her heart already racing. Today was the day – the day she would finally attempt her escape from this nightmare.

She lay still for a moment, focusing on slowing her breathing and gathering her courage. The gloom shrouded the cramped room, but Halle’s eyes discerned the packed bag hidden beneath her cot containing the supplies she had managed to secretly squirrel away over the past week.

The last week had been utter torment, forcing herself to endure her mother’s assaults and the groping hands of repulsive men trying to lay claim to her while pretending total resignation. More than once she had nearly faltered, the will to fight slowly being crushed out of her.

But she would gently caress the swell of her belly. She could not – would not – let this place and its monsters claim another child if there was any hope of escape.

Moving slowly to avoid any sounds of creaking, Halle eased herself up to sit on the edge of the mattress. Her heavy, cumbersome belly m