19 photos; 1:18 video
I froze in anticipation and I watched the old man light a cigarette outside. He began to pace again and I began my exhaustive struggle to get free. Once I got bearings back I began to struggle harder knowing time was not on my side. Sweat trickled down my forehead as this morning workout was harder than nay one I had done before. I maneuvered myself on my back to try and reach the rope that was knotted around my ankles.
I used all my strength to pull the chair the between my legs to get a better grip. I grunted quietly so that the old man couldn’t hear my escape. The hard chair dug into my back just as the rope dug into my skin. I had to be smart about this, if I struggled too hard I would only knot the ropes tighter, patience was a virtue. As I made a second attempt at bringing the chair out from under me I glanced up to see my captors shadow on a cell phone. Was he bringing back up? I hoped the police would come soon before this crazy whack job came back in. there was no telling what he would do if he saw me trying to escape.
I was able to get the chair out from under me and on its side. I meticulously worked at the knots. My finger ached as I slowly began to unravel the rope that connected my ankles. If I could only get my feet loose I would at least be able to have a fighting chance if he came back in. “MMMPPPPPPP. MMMPPPHHH”, I grunted. As time went by I occasionally glanced at the door hoping to an officer walk in. I needed to work faster.
I was filled with excitement and exhaustion when I finally got my ankles free. I lay on the floor trying to catch my breath. This endeavor seemed harder with duct tape wrapped around my mouth. Once I got my breath back I began stage two. I pulled the chair back on its side and tried to get footing. I used my knees as leverage and got to my feet.
I slowly rocked back to sit in the chair and began the work to free my hands. I yanked and pulled hard. I was able to get one hand free quickly because I had loosened the rope while trying to get my ankle free. I pulled my wrist from the coils and quickly freed the other hand. My skin was bruised and red from the bindings. I had to get out quick I thought. I began to remove the gag which seemed harder than anything I had endured throughout this entire ordeal. The duct tape stuck to my skin tightly. I decided one big pull would have to do. I swiftly pulled the tape from around my mouth I opened my mouth to scream in pain but quickly stifled myself. I looked up towards the window to see the whack job still pacing. I quickly ran out of the back porch and to the nearest house to call the cops myself.
When the cops arrived I explained what had happened. The old man looked scared and apologetic as he heard me explain why I was there. The neighbors gathered on the sidewalk to watch the drama. As angry as I was I could not bring myself to press charges. The look the old guy’s face made me feel sorry for him. As the cops left he walked up to me and extended a hand. I shook it with his apologies. Later that night the door bell rang and it was him again. He invited me over for dinner with his wife and I accepted.
The End
The Victim played by Hal
Photography by Caitiff
Date of Production: 09/25/2008