Picking up where I left off:
My abductor was a novice at this kidnapping business or so it seemed. He was unable to perform his disgusting deed. I was still petrified when he suddenly gave up and pulled up his pants. His belt jingled. Every sound was amplified by the still night that surrounded me. The tall pines were like monsters all around me but they did not compare to this monster in front of me. This monster that had my family tied up in the church basement down the street from where we stood. I guess I should have been relieved when he started pulling my pants back up. I was not. What would happen now? Would he kill me? Take me to the basement with my family. I was hoping that he would take me to my family, at least my Daddy would be there and he was strong and brave, unlike me.
It wasn't to be. I was informed by the monster that he was going to return me to my home. He suddenly became very friendly and wanted to be my friend. So confusing. He hoisted me onto his shoulders and we began walking back out of the woods and down the road back towards home. He was trying to put my mind at ease. He was being very chatty and nice. I was so confused. I didn't want to go home. Home was empty. The now friendly monster said so. What was I to think? In my mind I was going back to an empty house while my family was together down the street, tied up in the church basement. I was terrified of being alone in the house but wouldn't it be better than staying with the monster?
As we approached my house and began the trek across the front yard it was apparent that he was going to put me back into my room by the same window that was now missing the screen. My heart was pounding. He asked me if I could count to something, 50, 100, something. Yes I can. The monster gave me one last order. "When I put you back in this window I want you to count to 50 (?). I don't want you to move from that spot until you are finished counting. Do you understand?" I nodded my reply while my mind was screaming, "What do I do, what do I do? No one is in there!". This was before the days of 911. I didn't know how to call the police.
I was hoisted up and over the window sill. It was a short drop to the floor and I was pretty much sat right down on the floor. As soon as my feet were planted I looked over at my bed and there was my sister sound asleep! (Remember we slept with the light on). As soon as I saw that wonderful sight I knew that I had been lied to. If my sister was still there my parents must be there too. I didn't count to one, I ran. I ran straight to my parents bedroom which was just across the hall from ours.
The last thing I remember from that night was running to my parents room and standing between the door and their bed. I could see Mama's outline in the bed. I could breathe again. I yelled, "Mama, mama, I was kidnapped!". I remember my mother turning on her bedside lamp, looking at me then turning to my dad and shaking him. She said, "Honey wake up, I think she is telling the truth!" That's the last thing I remember. Standing there with pine straw on my clothes and that sock still dangling from one hand. My next memory is the next morning.
Sounds like a good place to stop. Until next time.... Hopefully it won't take me 5 months.