My Brother, My Captor

l, confused. "My rent is paid up

ain't co-signing for you no more. Said you ran out on him, and he ain't responsible for your

alled Sal. D

ey left, especially not after

y of stopping m

e it," I stammere

d, his voice flat. He jerked his

miliar wave of lightheadedness from hunger a

lp as I crumpl

ng the cheap linoleum was t

ar, my duffel bag beside me. The door was locked. R

obbed. I wa

ut. Nowh

mb. Liam. Maybe... maybe this was jus

raight to voicemai

n't call him, not like this. I

es to my skin. Hunger gnawed at

n behind a nearby restaurant

mach r

was stronger. I found a half-eaten sandwich, d

doorway, tears mixing w

it. My lo

, broke,

He truly, gen

t remembered a different Liam, a protective o

stand. Maybe if I cou

er Liam's name. The message was still there, the one

st angry. Maybe

ial, using the last of my phone

t's Maya. I... I need help. Please. I'm

ed around me. I was