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creaks under my weight. I jump when I hear the door close and lock behind me. Light seeps through some cracks in the wood and over the door onto the floor. I look around and my breath catches in my throat at what I see. Crimson blood stains the floor. I take in the sight and take a deep breath. I sit close to the door, in the shadows and away from the dry blood. I lean my back against the wall, ignoring my healing scars. As I close my eyes a lump of fright forms in my throat. I am filled to the brim with dread. The bright morning sun shines in my face. Although the day seems peaceful, inside I am unsettled. My hope of finding my safe haven is barely aflame. The door creaks as it opens, and a tall man blocks the sunlight. He

motions for me to stand, and I do. He leads me to another building with perhaps twenty other slaves. I am given a clean pale blue dress and slip it on. I wait in silence as a number of white men come flooding into the room. I realize then that this is a slave auction. My new master marshalls me to his bright yellow carriage. Two black horses are harnessed to it and a driver awaits in his padded leather seat. When we arrive, he opens the door and offers us both a hand. As the carriage begins on the winding road ahead I stare out the window at the blue afternoon sky, and think of how I will never be safe and sound.

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