---
Trissy lay in the darkness of the cart, her small body curled up against the cold, splintered wood. Other children huddled around her, but no one spoke. Their hollow, fearful eyes reflected her own dread. The cart wheels creaked as they rumbled over the rough ground, carrying them deeper into the unknown.
She could still feel the soreness in her arms and legs from being tossed into the cart. Her mouth was dry from the gag that had pressed against her lips, leaving a bitter taste on her tongue. Her heart ached with confusion and fear. Her parents had abandoned her—sold her to strangers like she was nothing. She felt completely and utterly alone.
After hours of restless sleep, Trissy felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She blinked, rubbing her tired eyes, and noticed a young girl sitting nearby, her dark hair tangled and face smudged with dirt. Despite her appearance, the girl's eyes held a soft kindness as she offered Trissy a small piece of stale bread.
"You look hungry," the girl whispered, her voice barely audible over the creaking wheels.
Trissy hesitated, then accepted the bread, nibbling on it gratefully as her empty stomach rumbled. She managed a small, shaky smile at the girl.
"Thank you," Trissy whispered, her voice hoarse.
The girl nodded, whispering back, "I'm Liana."
"I'm Trissy," she replied. They exchanged a sad, understanding look, both aware of the harsh reality they faced.
Seeing the discomfort on Trissy's face, Liana leaned closer, gently pulling at the knot of the gag still tied around her. She loosened it and slipped it off. Trissy took a deep breath, rubbing her sore jaw and giving Liana a grateful look.
"Do you know... what's going to happen to us?" Trissy asked, her voice trembling.
Liana's expression darkened, and she shook her head. "They take children like us and... sell them. But I don't know what happens after that."
Trissy's heart sank. She didn't fully understand what it meant to be "sold," but Liana's tone made her stomach twist. She wanted to ask more but was too scared of the answers.
The cart suddenly lurched to a stop, and the door creaked open. The children were dragged out one by one, their small bodies pulled roughly from the cart. Trissy clung to Liana's hand as they were shoved into a line, the guards barking orders and pushing anyone who stumbled.
The journey that followed was grueling. They marched for hours through thick forests and narrow mountain trails. Every time one of them fell behind, a guard would kick or shove them, cursing under his breath. Hunger gnawed at Trissy's stomach, and her legs ached, but she focused on the warmth of Liana's hand in hers. It was the only thing that kept her going.
At night, they huddled together on the cold ground. Liana pressed close to Trissy, wrapping her thin arm around her as they whispered softly to each other, finding comfort in their shared fear.
"I miss my family," Trissy whispered one night, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I don't understand why they left me."
Liana's eyes softened. "I miss mine too," she said quietly. "Maybe they thought this was the only way... but we have each other now. I'll protect you, Trissy."
The kindness in Liana's words filled Trissy with a small spark of hope. She hugged her friend tightly, holding onto the promise that somehow, they would survive together.
---
Trissy and Liana grew closer, supporting each other through the brutal journey. They shared scraps of food, and each night, they whispered comforting words to chase away the darkness. Their bond was their only shield against the cruelty of the men who controlled them.
But with each passing day, Trissy noticed Liana growing weaker. The constant marching, cold nights, and lack of food took a toll on her. Her cheeks grew hollow, her skin pale, and her breathing shallow. She tried to hide it, but Trissy could see the pain in her friend's eyes.
One evening, Liana stumbled, clutching her side as she gasped for breath. A guard noticed and stomped over, his face twisted in anger.
"Get up!" he snarled, grabbing Liana by the arm and yanking her to her feet. "No stopping, understand?"
Liana winced, nodding as she forced herself to keep walking, her legs trembling beneath her. Trissy tried to help, but the guard shoved her back roughly.
"Leave her alone," he spat. "Weaklings don't get special treatment."
Trissy felt her heart ache as she watched Liana struggle forward, her face pale and lined with exhaustion. She wanted to help, but any attempt to support her friend earned her harsh treatment from the guards.
Over the next few days, Liana's condition worsened. Her cough became more frequent, and her steps grew slower. She barely touched the scraps of food they were given, and her voice grew faint and hoarse. Trissy stayed by her side, holding her hand tightly as they walked, whispering encouragement even though her own heart was filled with fear.
One night, as they sat huddled together, Liana leaned against Trissy, her breathing shallow and labored. "I don't know if I can keep going," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Trissy felt tears prick her eyes. "Yes, you can. We'll get through this together, remember? You promised you'd protect me."
Liana tried to smile, but it was weak, her eyes dim with pain. "I'll try... for you, Trissy."
The next morning, as they trudged through the muddy forest path, Liana stumbled again. This time, she fell to her knees, too weak to stand. Trissy knelt beside her, tears streaming down her face as she tried to help her friend up.
"Get moving!" one of the guards shouted, kicking dirt in their direction.
"Please, she's sick!" Trissy cried, her voice breaking. "She needs help!"
The guard sneered, his eyes cold and unfeeling. "Not my problem. If she can't keep up, she'll be left behind."
Trissy's heart pounded with fear and anger. She looked at Liana, who was breathing heavily, her face pale and drenched in sweat. "Please, just give her a little more time," Trissy begged, clutching Liana's hand.
But the guard grabbed Trissy by the arm, yanking her away. "You're wasting time," he growled, shoving her forward.
Trissy stumbled, but she turned back, watching as another guard pulled Liana roughly to her feet. She could see the pain in her friend's eyes, the way her body shook with each step. But Liana forced herself to move, her gaze meeting Trissy's with a sad, tired smile.
They walked in silence, their steps unsteady, the harsh journey stealing what little strength Liana had left. When night fell again, they huddled together, Liana's head resting on Trissy's shoulder as she closed her eyes, too weak to stay awake.
Trissy held her friend close, tears streaming down her face as she whispered, "We're going to make it, Liana. I promise. I won't leave you."
But Liana's only response was a faint, weary sigh.
The following day, Liana's condition worsened. She could barely stand, her breath shallow and ragged. When she finally collapsed on the trail, the guards didn't even bother to stop. They simply pulled her to the side, leaving her behind like discarded baggage.
Trissy fought against their grip, screaming for Liana as she was dragged away. "No! Don't leave her! Please!"
But her cries fell on deaf ears. The guards ignored her, pulling her forward as the distance grew between her and the small figure lying motionless on the ground.
In that moment, something inside Trissy broke.