Some say the first person you think of when you're in danger is the one you care about and want to rely on the most. 'Perhaps that's true,' she thought.
A single, ancient lightbulb on the warehouse ceiling cast a dim, yellow glow. Her hands and feet were bound. She had been leaning against a pillar with her knees curled up, but the floor was so filthy she couldn't bear to let Joy sit directly on it. She wanted Joy to sit on her lap instead.
Joy finally relaxed, shifted back, and sat down on her mother's lap. But after just a moment, as if sensing her mother's legs would start to hurt if she stayed there too long, she climbed off and sat on the floor beside her.
