The next morning, Maya woke up feeling pain all over her body. Every muscle ached. Her arms felt heavy, her back stiff, even her fingers hurt when she tried to move them. She lay there for a long time staring at the ceiling, wondering how she was supposed to survive another day in this place.

A soft knock came at the door; before she could command the person to come in, the door opened quietly. Penelope walked in carrying a tray. The smell of warm bread and soup filled the room.

“You’re ...