FREEDOM

        The shootout persisted and we knew it was a cause for alarm. With Cecily in my arms along with the other women, we squeezed ourselves to the right corner of the room with our teeth-gnashing in fear.

The door to our tent was zipped from the outside by the leader of the insurgents while our hands had been freed. I bravely stood up and moved closer to the tent and tried to peep through the transparent leather.

"There is an invasion outside." I announced to the women and they all sprung up in fear. I could see the gun battle from the outside through the tent.

"Hold still!" I continued and grabbed the little knife I earlier caught a glimpse of on the table.

I tore the leather tent from beneath and after placing my hand outside, I unzipped the door from the outside.

There was smoke everywhere and the male hostages were running into the forest. There was a gun battle and a group of men in