The price you pay:1

“Listen to me, my dear Bianca,” Kristina whispered urgently as she swiftly gathered snacks and essential items into a small backpack. She handed the bag to Bianca, instructing her to carry it on her back. Kristina’s eyes darted towards the window, anxiously waiting for something. Suddenly, the flashing lights of a car illuminated the house, causing her heart to race.

Bianca looked up at her mother with innocent eyes, her voice trembling as she asked, Mom, I’m scared. What’s happening?” Tears streamed down Kristina’s face as she pulled Bianca close. “Don’t worry, my love. We’re just going to play a special game today. It’s a running game, and we have to stay ahead of some pretend bad guys. But remember, no matter what happens, I love you more than anything.”Bianca tried to understand, her voice still filled with fear. “But why, Mom? Why do we have to play this game?” Kristina forced a smile, attempting to hide her own fear. “It’s because sometimes grown-ups have to be brave and protect the ones they love. We’re going on an adventure, and we’re going to win.

. They held each other’s hands tightly as they rushed out the back door of the house. Men dressed in black were pounding on the front, their urgency palpable. “Break down the door!” the leader commanded, his voice filled with determination. The intruders barged into the house, searching for any sign of Kristina and Bianca. “They’re not here!” one of the men exclaimed angrily, frustration evident in his voice.

The leader, undeterred, responded, “The back door is open. They can’t be far. We must find them and eliminate them.” The men scattered in different directions, desperately scouring the area in search of Kristina and Bianca.

Kristina and Bianca were still on the run, but they couldn’t outrun the pursuing men. Eventually, one of the men caught up to them and shouted for them to stop. Despite the command, they continued running. The man drew his firearm and fired a bullet that struck Kristina in the chest. She collapsed, leaving Bianca in shock and anguish, crying out for her mother. In immense pain, Kristina urged her child to run, and Bianca turned and fled. The man persisted on firing shots in her direction as she ran, tears streaming down her face.

Eventually, Bianca spotted a hiding spot among some boxes at a street corner. She concealed herself beneath them, able to observe the four men in black as they searched for her. Through a small hole in the boxes, she could clearly see their determined faces.

The men finally gave up and went back to where Kristina was lying. She wasn’t completely dead, but she was surrounded by a pool of blood, in so much pain, slowly dying. The men all pulled out their guns and shot her body countless times. Bianca heard the gunshots where she was hiding. She covered her ears, closed her eyes, and tears rolled down her face.