The Key

Prompt: Write about someone who discovers a key.

Source: davidrm.com/thejournal

Original Airdate: June 15, 2010

Response:

She shifted, the chains at her ankles clanking. The sound echoed in the stone corridor. She moved her weight to her right leg. Her left knee throbbed painfully.

Always, she watched the light. There it was, only a couple hundred yards away - a crescent of warm yellow light - shining into the end of the tunnel.

In the first days, she had often looked down, staring at the keyhole in her fetters as if she could unchain herself through her pure determination. But she had quickly learned that the light was her only purpose. There was no escape except through watching the light.

So she was startled when she heard the footsteps behind her, but she did not look toward them. Whatever was coming from the darkness, it could not be as vital as keeping her eyes on the light. It was only when a touch brushed her shoulder that she turned.

A man stood beside her. His eyes were light enough that she could see them even in the corridor's darkness - pale blue.

He walked around her, standing between her and the light. She could see it twinkling behind his back, but his shadow cast her in darkness.

He held out his hand. Cupped in his palm was a key.

She gasped for breath. A way into the light - all she had to do was reach out and take it. His hand was steady, immovable. All she had to do was reach out. She could not move. What if he pulled away?