Paola looked around the dark room. There was a single dim lightbulb dangling in the middle. Her hands and feet her tied with rope. Tape was over her mouth. Her Halloween costume was all torn up; the witch’s hat didn't stand up and had a large tear in the side and her poofy dress needed mending.

There was a patch of plaster on the wall. It looked like there had once been a window, but it was no longer there. Paola realized that Alex was not holding her hand as he had been when they were trick-or-treating. She began to panic, for without Alex, she was no longer safe. He wasn't there to protect her. He was who knew where.

Paola tugged at the rope, but to no avail. Her eyes were wide and shiny with tears. She swung her feet but only hit the ground. A small pain ran through her leg. The girl swung her head, throwing out her neck. She fell over on her side. Tears rolled down her cheeks.