CHAPTER 5

– Honey, where are you in such a hurry? Stay a few more days. Your training is finished, you have not found a job, just enjoy the freedom.

Mom dreamily watched as I collect my things.

– No thanks. Such a life is not for me. – I sighed heavily, unable to stay here longer than necessary. This place depresses me. – I want to work. Perhaps I will continue to study. In general, I want to go home… – I closed the suitcase and not without difficulty lowered it from the bed to the floor. – I’m not comfortable here. As if something is about to happen. – I walked closer to her and put my palms on her shoulders. – Please be careful and take care of each other, okay? – She nodded. – I know that now you are in euphoria from all the changes that have occurred, but… remember that sooner or later you will have to pay for everything that you now have. Try not to put off and pay off your debt as quickly as possible. It is not known what the consequences may be. She averted her eyes and pursed her lips, trying to hold back her tears.

– Don’t worry about us. – The main thing, be careful, okay? And forgive us for everything. – She hugged me around the waist and tightly pressed me to her.

An hour later, I stood in line at the airport reception. It was my turn, and I handed the passport to a cute petite girl at the counter. She began to actively print something on her computer, but I could only wait.

– Sorry, but your passport isn’t valid.³ – I don’t immediately understand that they are turning to me.

– Pardon? It can’t be.⁴

– I’m afraid you’ll have to wait.⁵ – She took my passport and went off somewhere. I do not understand anything. How is this even possible? Now I am in such an absurd situation. My passport is valid for two more years. I check everything before every trip abroad. The girl returned to me with frightened eyes. – Are there any problems? The last time everything was in order, I …⁵

– Please, come with me.⁶

At that moment, two men in uniform approached me. I looked at them, not understanding what was happening.

– Allow me to take your luggage. – In imperfect, but still Russian, one of them turned to me.

– Sorry, but will someone explain to me what is going on here?

– They will tell you everything, but for this you need to come with us. – He took my suitcase and pointed to the reception desk, behind which was a service door.

They put me in one of the offices and made me wait. There were long minutes of waiting, but I still did not know what was happening. No one said anything, they just looked at me with alarm, thinking that I did not notice it. I do not know how much time has passed, but one of the men who accompanied me here entered. The receptionist girl who started it all looked at me uncertainly.

– A car came for you, – the man began, looking away to the side, – our employee will guide you. Your suitcase is already there.

– What car? I have a flight to Moscow!

– I’m afraid this is impossible, because you are forbidden to leave the Emirate. – I looked at them in shock, feeling how my legs gave way, my head was spinning, and I slowly lowered myself into a chair.

– How is it… how is it forbidden? Who forbade?

I do not understand anything. It just can’t be.

– Sorry, but I’m not allowed to talk about this. – He shifted from foot to foot, nervously fingering his fingers. – You just need to get to the car, and then you will know everything.

On numb legs, I slowly got up from my seat and followed the girl to the service exit, where a black minibus shone in the merciless sun.

– Good afternoon, Miss Mironova. Please come in. – A man of about thirty-five with a thick beard on a dark face pointed to the open car door.

– Who you are? – I crossed my arms over my chest, trying not to lose my temper. I was scared. – What do you want from me?

– You can trust me. You have nothing to fear. – a slight smile appeared on his face.

– Why should I believe you?

– You simply have no other election, – he declared, and my shoulders dropped.

I looked around, noticing that I had little chance of escaping. Behind two guards, and my interlocutor is not from frail. This person seems to be right, and I really have no other choice.

I climbed into the car and collapsed powerlessly into a leather chair. I think I’m sleeping and I can’t wake up.

– The mini fridge has chilled water and some food.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Opening the refrigerator, I took out a bottle of water. I need to somehow come to my senses, start thinking rationally. This is the only thing I did well until recently. I take a few sips of refreshing water (even simple water tastes different here) and feel the coolness flowing through my body, bringing peace and relaxation. I hope that soon everything will become clear, and I will be able to return home.

CHAPTER 5

– Honey, where are you in such a hurry? Stay a few more days. Your training is finished, you have not found a job, just enjoy the freedom.

Mom dreamily watched as I collect my things.

– No thanks. Such a life is not for me. – I sighed heavily, unable to stay here longer than necessary. This place depresses me. – I want to work. Perhaps I will continue to study. In general, I want to go home… – I closed the suitcase and not without difficulty lowered it from the bed to the floor. – I’m not comfortable here. As if something is about to happen. – I walked closer to her and put my palms on her shoulders. – Please be careful and take care of each other, okay? – She nodded. – I know that now you are in euphoria from all the changes that have occurred, but… remember that sooner or later you will have to pay for everything that you now have. Try not to put off and pay off your debt as quickly as possible. It is not known what the consequences may be. She averted her eyes and pursed her lips, trying to hold back her tears.

– Don’t worry about us. – The main thing, be careful, okay? And forgive us for everything. – She hugged me around the waist and tightly pressed me to her.

An hour later, I stood in line at the airport reception. It was my turn, and I handed the passport to a cute petite girl at the counter. She began to actively print something on her computer, but I could only wait.

– Sorry, but your passport isn’t valid.³ – I don’t immediately understand that they are turning to me.

– Pardon? It can’t be.⁴

– I’m afraid you’ll have to wait.⁵ – She took my passport and went off somewhere. I do not understand anything. How is this even possible? Now I am in such an absurd situation. My passport is valid for two more years. I check everything before every trip abroad. The girl returned to me with frightened eyes. – Are there any problems? The last time everything was in order, I …⁵

– Please, come with me.⁶

At that moment, two men in uniform approached me. I looked at them, not understanding what was happening.

– Allow me to take your luggage. – In imperfect, but still Russian, one of them turned to me.

– Sorry, but will someone explain to me what is going on here?

– They will tell you everything, but for this you need to come with us. – He took my suitcase and pointed to the reception desk, behind which was a service door.

They put me in one of the offices and made me wait. There were long minutes of waiting, but I still did not know what was happening. No one said anything, they just looked at me with alarm, thinking that I did not notice it. I do not know how much time has passed, but one of the men who accompanied me here entered. The receptionist girl who started it all looked at me uncertainly.

– A car came for you, – the man began, looking away to the side, – our employee will guide you. Your suitcase is already there.

– What car? I have a flight to Moscow!

– I’m afraid this is impossible, because you are forbidden to leave the Emirate. – I looked at them in shock, feeling how my legs gave way, my head was spinning, and I slowly lowered myself into a chair.

– How is it… how is it forbidden? Who forbade?

I do not understand anything. It just can’t be.

– Sorry, but I’m not allowed to talk about this. – He shifted from foot to foot, nervously fingering his fingers. – You just need to get to the car, and then you will know everything.

On numb legs, I slowly got up from my seat and followed the girl to the service exit, where a black minibus shone in the merciless sun.

– Good afternoon, Miss Mironova. Please come in. – A man of about thirty-five with a thick beard on a dark face pointed to the open car door.

– Who you are? – I crossed my arms over my chest, trying not to lose my temper. I was scared. – What do you want from me?

– You can trust me. You have nothing to fear. – a slight smile appeared on his face.

– Why should I believe you?

– You simply have no other election, – he declared, and my shoulders dropped.

I looked around, noticing that I had little chance of escaping. Behind two guards, and my interlocutor is not from frail. This person seems to be right, and I really have no other choice.

I climbed into the car and collapsed powerlessly into a leather chair. I think I’m sleeping and I can’t wake up.

– The mini fridge has chilled water and some food.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Opening the refrigerator, I took out a bottle of water. I need to somehow come to my senses, start thinking rationally. This is the only thing I did well until recently. I take a few sips of refreshing water (even simple water tastes different here) and feel the coolness flowing through my body, bringing peace and relaxation. I hope that soon everything will become clear, and I will be able to return home.

CHAPTER 6

Haze… it’s everywhere. I swim in soft warm water, a light sea wind blows on me, and above me is a starry sky that fascinates with its beauty, unknown and boundless. How long I have not been so easy and good.

– Are you sure she will be fine?

– Yes, it is a harmless remedy.

– I know, but… six hours have passed, and she still hasn’t woken up.

– Don’t worry, sir. The dose was small. Perhaps due to the stress experienced, she cannot wake up. The body also needs rest.

– Yes… let her rest; she has too many shocks ahead.

***

I slowly open my eyes and don’t understand where I am. Around it is dark and quiet. Parents, airport, reception, office, car and… I don’t remember anything. Where am I and what is happening? I close my eyes and fall asleep again.

The next time I wake up, the sun is shining on the street, and a headache, panic, fear and powerlessness fall upon me immediately. How did I get here? Where and with whom am I? I sit in bed and slowly inspect the room. A large bed of dark wood, on the opposite wall there is a sofa covered with a beautiful oriental-style bedspread, in front of which there is a small coffee table, matching the style of the bed. A double glass door to the balcony is open, which makes the thick dark curtains move.

The door lock came to life, and I scaredly covered myself with a blanket, despite the fact that I was wearing my own clothes. A moment later, a very young girl appeared in front of me in a scarf and dress covering her entire body except her face, with a tray in her hands.

– Good morning, miss, – she greeted me, although not in perfect, but in Russian, deliberately avoiding looking at me.

– Who are you? Where I am?

She carefully lowered the tray onto the nightstand next to me and glanced briefly at me, hiding her smile.

– I am your personal assistant in all matters related to you and this house. I was instructed to help you prepare and take you to the owner of this house.

My heart was beating in my chest. Did I get to the local mafia? Have I been taken into slavery?

– Ho… how will you cook me? – I asked in dismay, clearing my throat and trying to keep my voice as even as possible.

– Calm down first, miss. No one will harm you. – She went around the bed and went into the next room, and after a moment she pulled out my chiffon dress in a small flower, which I bought before I went to my parents. My parents! I hope that everything is fine with them, and they are looking for me. – I think it will be just right. Moderately open and at the same time modest. – She laid the dress on the bed, and returned to me. – I didn’t know what you prefer for breakfast, so I brought only a little.

I looked suspiciously at the tray from which the delicious smells came, and then looked at my “assistant”.

– I need to wash my face.