Thirty-two

The sound of a car engine woke him.

John opened his eyes and could see sunlight shining through the church. From where he lay on the floor, he could see across the church to the closed front door.

He was stiff and cold. And still wet from his urine.

But the sound of the car engine getting closer took his mind off his current situation.

He tried to shake his head, but his stiff neck wouldn’t let him. He wanted to make sure that the engine noise he was hearing was real and not a figment of his imagination.

But he was sure of it.

It was a car motor.

And it was getting closer.

He held his breath, praying that it was Zoe or Helen, hoping the car would come to the church and not just drive by.

The engine noise became louder.

And then John could hear the sound of the tyres on the gravel driveway.

Yes, he thought. She’s here. She’s back! Zoe’s come back!

Trying desperately to break free, John pulled his numb arms towards him once more, hoping against hope that finally they would break free of his bindings.

But the metal of the chair still held; his efforts were futile.

He didn’t want her to find him like this, pushed into a corner, face down on the floor. He wanted to greet her with open arms, to hold her and tell her everything was going to be alright.

But he couldn’t.

She would find him this way.

Helpless…

The engine noise was louder, echoing around the church now. John could feel the vibrations through the wooden floorboards.

Everything’s going to be alright.

And then the engine stopped.

Yes!

There was silence once more.

John realised he was holding his breath. His ears were straining for any further sounds as he tried to paint a mental picture of what was happening outside the church.

Come on, he thought to himself. I’m in here. In here!

But the silence continued outside.

John waited, staring unblinkingly at the front door, almost willing it to open on its own.

Nothing.

Hurry! Please!

Silence settled around him. He tried to look out the windows on the opposite side of the church. But from the ground, he could only see some of the trees that surrounded the church and the blue sky above. There was no sign of any movement.

No sign of anyone.

Please!

John peeled his lips apart and tried to lick them with his parched tongue. He took in a deep breath and readied himself.

“Help,” his dry broken voice barely registered above a whisper. “I’m in here.”

It was no use. If he could hardly hear himself, there was no chance of anyone outside hearing him.

He was sure he had heard the car engine. Almost positive. But as the silence continued around him, he began to doubt himself.

Maybe I imagined it, he thought. Am I going crazy now as well?

He closed his eyes, trying harder to concentrate on his hearing.

There has to be something…

The vacuum of silence continued.

Please…

As the silence continued, a tear ran down John’s face.

It’s over, he thought, finally defeated.

And then the car door opened.

His eyes shot open at the sound and he sucked in his breath, as if any noise he made now would ruin any chances of being saved.

Did I really hear that? he asked himself. I did. I’m sure of it!

And then, as if to confirm his thoughts, he heard the car door slam shut.

Yes! Yes, I did! She’s back. Zoe! Zoe’s here!

“In here, Zoe!” he tried to yell, but his voice failed him again.

Silence.

Again.

No!

He listened again. His neck ached as he stretched his head around further. He stared with burning eyes at the front door.

Hurry, please!

He tried to rock his body in the chair, hoping to make any noise he could to attract attention, but his limbs were too numb and stiff and cold to help. All he succeeded in doing was sending jagged pain through his neck and head.

He stopped rocking quickly. He didn’t want to black out – not now.

This is your only chance, he told himself. Don’t blow it.

He listened.

Nothing.

No sounds.

He began to think his mind had been playing tricks with him again.

Maybe he was going mad.

Maybe it would be easier for me if I did...

Then the footsteps began.

He could hear them clearly. There was no doubt. The footsteps sounded loud as they crunched on the gravel and dirt outside.

They were real.

And they were getting closer.

Yes! Quickly Zoe, help me, please!

John’s muscles tightened as the footsteps came closer. His body ached but he didn’t care. He was straining, trying to reach out for her, wishing he could have his arms out, ready to run to her and hug her. Wanting to greet her and welcome her back.

His neck strained as his ears focussed on the footsteps. His eyes never left the front door as tears of joy began to build in them.

The footsteps stopped.

The light shining from the gap between the front door and floorboards was now split. He could make out two shadows under the doorway.

Yes, it’s real. I’m not crazy! I can see her shoes! She’s here to save me!

Another sound now, a rattle.

His eyes shot up to the door handle.

It was slowly turning.

Yes, yes! Come to me, Zoe. Quickly, please!

What if it’s not her?

It has to be!

What if it’s Fox?

No! No, it can’t be Fox!

His whole body was quaking now, the excitement and fear making him shake.

It has to be Zoe!

The door swung open.

John smiled, ready to greet her.

And then his jaw dropped.

He tried to scream, but his dry, useless throat wouldn’t let him.

Things would never be the same again.