Escape? Yes, I was desperate.

But somehow, even though Dihya saw me trying to flee, she didn’t stop me. I saw her step onto the balcony. Instead of raising the alarm, she picked up the chain and gave a small smile.

I knew I couldn’t go straight out the front. An elderly worker was sweeping snow near the gate. So I waited—hidden behind a tree trunk, patiently watching for the right moment.

Dihya shook her head from the balcony, then walked downstairs. She waved at the snow cleaner from the ...