The room was cloaked in shadows, the only light coming from a single, dimly lit bulb hanging from the ceiling. Diane, a woman in her mid-thirties, found herself tied up, her elbows bound together. She squirmed uncomfortably against the rough ropes, trying to make sense of her situation.

Panic surged through Diane, but she knew she had to stay calm. She began to test the binds that held her, twisting her wrists subtly, trying not to alert anyone who might be watching.

As Diane moved her wrists, she felt a piece of metal sticking out from the chair. Hope sparked within her. It was a nail. If she could maneuver it just right, she might be able to cut the ropes.

For hours, she worked on the ropes, the rough metal of the nail biting into her skin. But she didn’t stop. Her only focus was on the ropes around her wrists.

With each passing second, Diane's mind worked overtime. Every creak of the old house sent adrenaline coursing through her veins. She had to find a way out before her captor returned.

Suddenly, the ropes around her wrists gave way. She let out a sigh of relief, her heart pounding in her chest. Now, she needed to untie her elbows.

With her hands free, untying her elbows was a less daunting task. Soon, she was standing, her legs wobbly from the prolonged restriction. She cautiously made her way towards the door.

Just as she reached for the doorknob, she heard footsteps approaching. Panic gripped her, but she knew she had to act quickly. She hid behind the door, her heart pounding in her chest.

As the door creaked open, she held her breath. The silhouette of a man filled the doorway. Gathering all her strength, she lunged at him, surprising him, and ran out into the night.

Diane ran as fast as her legs could carry her, not daring to look back. She saw the lights of a nearby house, and relief washed over her. She was going to make it. She was going to survive.