The night was heavy with the weight of failure as I sat alone in my room. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast long shadows on the walls, flickering as if mocking my latest failed attempt to escape. My heart still pounded from the encounter with the guards earlier that evening. I had been so close—almost out the back gate—but once again, Freddy's menu had been waiting, always one step ahead. Always watching.

I sank onto the bed, rubbing my forehead in frustration. The walls seemed to ...