Like warm, gentle hands the smiling sun cupped her pale face, its light soaking into every pore of skin. Bright and blinding as ever, her eyes flickered shut as she raised her head toward the light she had sworn she would never see again. Each day that passed in that damp dark cellar had only served as a testament to that. But here she stood, outside with the wind running its cool hands through her hair and the birds welcoming her with a tune of their own. This was the freedom she longed for, and yet she never believed it could be this peaceful. Even the air tasted fresh and sweet on her tounge.

The suns warmth wrapped her in a tight hug, tracing every scar across her skin. It dried her tears as they fell. It promised her a better future.

It’s soothing heat thawed her stuttering heart. A silent vow of peace, that declared she’d never be anyone’s prisoner again.