Danae and her baby were confined again. This time in a smaller, narrower, and more suffocating space. Through the wooden cracks in the crate, beams of light could enter, so inside the chest, Danae could tell the passage of time. The sun was still shining brightly, a sign that the day was still very long. Floating on the ocean waves, Danae was lost in resignation. Perhaps not knowing the pace of time would be better for her.
'It had only been a short while, but it already felt much longer than when I was inside the dome. Come to think of it, the situation in the underground dome was definitely better than now. I can't even move here. My legs are numb.'
Danae's back was wet from the sea water that had seeped in. Her sweat also soaked her entire body.
'It's so stuffy. I feel like I am going to run out of breath. Are you okay, my dear?'
Danae's baby was also sweating profusely, but not crying. Her baby was always very calm when he was drinking milk. Either because he realized his mother was watching or it was just a coincidence, the baby turned to Danae and smiled playfully. With its tiny hands that could not reach Danae, the baby tried to hug his mother. Danae's tears now flowed down her face.
'Truly innocent. Confined in a dome he didn't care. Confined in a chest he did not understand. He was just happy to be with his mother. Ah, if only my hands weren't tied ... I really want to hug you right now. I want to hold you for my last moments.'
The tiny baby reached out towards Danae's face. Intending to wipe away her mother's tears, the uncontrollable little hand instead gave Danae's chin a subtle slap. Danae met her son's big, round, cute eyes. Then the boy give Danae another slap. He laughed as he watched his mother in pain from his little hand. Danae laughed too, but her laughter was muffled by the gag in her mouth. The baby then tugged at the cloth gagging Danae's mouth with his little strength until the ties loosened.
Danae spit out the cloth and lifted her head with all her might. The baby came closer so Danae could finally kiss her child's head. Danae smiled. "I love you, my dear."
The little baby laughed happily.
I couldn't give up. I could still do something to try and save my baby. "O Asvollios who bears witness, grant me and my child the strength to survive through this. O vast Nepton, grant us the current that will bring us to land. O mighty Zepter, save us." Finishing her prayer, Danae took a deep breath. She then screamed out loud for help. Her tiny baby joined her in crying, but without tears.
After screaming dozens of times. Danae felt the crate floating on the open sea hit something. It sounded like wood crashing together. "Help! Help!" Danae shouted louder. Her baby cried out in imitation of her mother.