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𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈
Moments later, the sound of American planes roared in the skies overhead. They sprayed 50 caliber machine gun bullets along the perimeter and dropped bombs on the facility causing mass panic amongst the guards. A voice shouted through a megaphone ordering all personnel to evacuate immediately.
The women watched in horror as civilians, including children ran blindly into the naked streets. Naval shells exploded meters from the holding cells killing several people instantly.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q9tIVFaFZ
Bloodcurdling screams filled the air as prisoners cowered in terror praying for mercy from above. Amelia gripped tightly onto her co-pilot's hand whispering apologies for failing him so badly.
Amidst the rubble and smoke, a figure appeared wearing an American uniform carrying a machine gun. The soldier was a United States marine and he called out urging everyone to follow him. Without hesitation, Amelia spoke up and informs them who she actually is.
Amelia's heart sank as she heard the sounds of heavy footsteps approaching. For months now, she had been held captive by the Japanese military police. Her physical appearance bore witness to the brutal treatment meted out to her. Wearily, she lifted her head to meet the gaze of her tormentor.
𝐔.𝐒 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬
The marine soldier burst in; he towered over her, eyes blazing with rage. But then something changed his expression. Slowly, a smile spread across his lips.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE39xPIIVK
Amelia returned the smile, squinting against the bright sunlight pouring in through cracks in the walls. But suddenly, the door slammed open and two angry Japanese rushed in brandishing weapons.
Before Amelia could react, one of them strode forward to aim his pistol directly at her rescuer. In horror, she watched as he pulled the trigger shooting the marine and her love Noonan.
The unfortunate marine and Noonan fell bloodied and lifeless to the ground.
The Japanese soldier:
"Fool!"
We discovered what you both did. And now he has paid with his ignorant, pagan153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh837O45bL
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx9yXoS1pI
life.
[Amelia lets out a blood curdling scream, then collaspes to her bunk in agony and anguish.]
Freedom was coming closer, yet Amelia remained uncertain. Why wouldn't they kill her? Seconds felt like hours until suddenly three more figures emerged. Amelia didn't dare hope as they silently approached her...until they came closer...
"I don't want you," her captor snarled at her, glancing back to where she lay curled up on the rough blanket that passed for her bed. It wasn't comfortable, but it beat sleeping on the hard floor like most of the other girls here.
Or sleeping out in the corridor because there weren't enough beds.
You're nothing special.
She flinched under his sharp gaze, trying to shrink herself smaller beneath his scrutiny. There wasn't much room to move anyway. Not even the full roll of the dice would let her stretch out fully now, thanks to the cramped conditions.
At least in here she got fed regularly. Better food too, though the portions were small. And some semblance of privacy. Outside... "Don't think I haven't noticed you watching me," the guard continued, taking a step closer.
"But you won't have anything of mine until you prove worth keeping around. Capisce?" She nodded silently, trying to keep her breath shallow so she didn't smell of fear or sweat. Any advantage could mean better treatment...or maybe just less mistreatment.
If she played nice, maybe someday she could earn his favor without having to offer up her body. She doubted she'd succeed given how low she ranked among the prisoners here compared to the others, but it was worth trying.
Maybe someday, someone else would come looking for her. Though part of her hoped it would happen before things got worse first...
A sudden commotion interrupted her thoughts. Boots thudding heavily outside, angry voices demanding entry - and a crash as her cell door gave way beneath a shoulder charge.
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬
More boots running past her, guns firing randomly, but no bullets hit closeby. Another impact rocked her doorframe as the lock splintered away entirely. Cries of alarm outside cut short as new arrivals poured in... And then a single pair of hands reached through the torn gap in her wall.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSaa6HDWgC
Fingers curling around hers, pulling her toward escape before she realized whose touch it was. Tears blurred her vision, so, she had difficulty seeing the face of the person rescuing her from the horrible prison.
Marine: "Hello, you must be Amelia?" Glad to finally meet such a brave woman!"
Amelia, grinning, "Well hello to you too." What took you so long?
[And Amelia is taken aboard a Higgins Boat or Landing Craft Vehicle, Personnel. (LCVP) which were used for amphibious landings in World War II. Then she was transfered to the British battlecrusier HMS Hood. Which sailed onward to Hawaii where she boarded a commercial airplane back to the states...]
(𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐞)153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLD768hRgV
As she left behind what had become of her makeshift home behind enemy lines, Amelia couldn't help but feel both relief and some confusion. How did her saviors find her? Who were those marines who stormed her prison camp and risked their lives to liberate her and the others trapped there?
She still couldn't believe she had just escaped certain death not when her own American government had long since written off any hope of finding her alive.
Even as she struggled to piece together fragments of memory and glimpses of unfamiliar faces into a coherent narrative, one question kept repeating itself: why does it all matter now?
Nothing will bring back those lost years or erase the terrible, nightmarish memories embedded within. All that remains are scars etched upon mind and soul alike -- constant reminders of what she endured and survived against all odds.
In moments of quiet introspection, she wonders if freedom truly means exchanging one set of chains for another, forever bound to relive her darkest days and bear witness to an unseen war's legacy borne upon her very flesh.
She was resign to her fate of living in New York under a false identity because the U.S Navy could never reveal that Amelia had actually been sent on a Top secret spy surveillance mission. To spy on Japanese naval positions, troop movements, numbers of destroyers, aircraft carriers, etc...153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoihPUgKMI
