Fifty lashes

I have rarely felt this terrified. Ivan’s eyes are setting me ablaze with pure anger and there can’t be enough distance between us right now. Unfortunately, the police officers have handcuffed me and are holding me in place so I can’t run away. Horrified whimpers escape the barrier of my lips. I look at dad with a sense of betrayal. I don’t know how but I’m positive that he led Ivan back to me. He has a smug smile on his face, clearly not understanding that he just handed his daughter back to a tyrant. Or maybe he does understand...Maybe he just doesn’t care. “Catalina...” Juan’s wide eyes fly between Ivan and me in pure confusion. He knows something bad is happening and I can’t find the words to explain what it is exactly. Ivan takes slow, determined steps toward us. Juan stares at him like he’s a monster that came straight out of someone’s worst nightmare; in this case, mine. Ivan doesn’t even spare him a drop of attention. He sighs heavily and fishes something out of his jacket. It’