Elda

Elda Ainsworth could feel the sweat soaking the back of her shirt where it pressed against the back of the cloth overstuffed chair. She struggled to think and to shake off her lethargy. Her feet were heavy and seemed glued to the ground.

Why what?

Words swirled around in her head. She chased after them.

It hurts to breathe.

She rubbed her eyes to clear her vision. Why can’t I see? She drifted in and out of the fog that surrounded her. She could faintly make out shapes in the room.

Where am I?

She heard a voice as if she was underwater. It was asking, “Do you know why?”

Tell them nothing. Only disclose your name, rank, and serial number.

She shook her head to clear her vision. Droplets of sweat flew off her face. Her arms felt like lead, but she wasn’t restrained.

I’m not tied up. Did they drug me?

She opened her parched mouth to talk, but nothing came out. Her brain hurt as she tried to coordinate her thoughts and lips.

What do they want?