“I will do it! Don’t test me!” The man said holding a knife in his clenched fist. His chest was heaving, gasping for air. He was angered and confused, not in his right mind.

“Okay, okay. Look, I understand that you are angry, but you don’t want to kill me.” I said, trying to calm him enough to let me go.

“And why would I want to keep you alive?” He said, his voice sharp with rage.

“Because if you kill me…you could have a lifetime in prison, and im sure you know that prison is no magic carpet ride. You seem like a smart guy. Come on, lower the gun and let’s talk about this. I can help you.”

“Oh ya? And in what way can you help me?” He snapped.

“If you let me go, I can help you. I can give you a happier life. A life where you can feel that you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”

“I could put my mind to ending this pathetic speech of yours.” He hissed, his jaw tightly clenched.

“Please. If you let me go I promise I won’t tell anyone.” I started to cry. “Please. All I want is to be home again with my husband and son.”

The man erupted into laughter. “Ya, right. Like anyone would want to be with the family that will just end up leaving you.”

“Did your family leave?” I asked.

“A long time ago, yes. But that’s in the past.” He looked down, less scary and angry, more…depressed as memories resurfaced.

“Please. Let me and my family enjoy each other while we still have each other.”

The man’s anger completely faded away, and was replaced with sadness and tears. He walked toward her, holding the knife straight ahead of him, pointing toward her.

I tried hard not to flinch as he cut the bonds holding my hands and feet and said, “Get out before I change my mind.”

I jumped to my feet and when i reached the door i paused and turned my head to face him watching me and said, “Thank you.” And with that I left.