Bound in the Basement

The morning sun, filtering through the blinds, stirred you awake. A deep yawn escaped your lips as you stretched, your stomach gurgling in complaint. You headed downstairs, expecting the usual morning bustle, but the kitchen was silent.

Instead of a breakfast feast, you found a note on the fridge: Mom and Emily were out for groceries.

A sigh escaped you. Home alone. A quick, uninspired search for food led you back upstairs. Passing a photo of you and Alex, your best friend, laughing together, brought a bittersweet smile. He was like a brother, always there for you, especially after Dad...

You quickly wiped away a stray tear. A trip to the corner store was in order.

After a quick shower and getting dressed, you braced yourself against the unexpected cold wind outside. Locking the door behind you, you began the short walk, admiring the cloudy sky.

"Hi, Mr. Ed," you greeted the familiar face behind the counter at the store, a man who felt like a grandfather.

Deep in thought about snack choices, a sudden tire screech shattered the quiet. Four men burst in, two with guns. This wasn't a robbery; it was something much more terrifying.