I was beneath a blanket when I came to. I was rocking and heard the sound of water. My head ached almost as much as my ribs. There didn’t seem to be a part of my body that didn’t have its own distinct pain. I moved my hands and could feel the plastic zip tie cut into my flesh. It hurt to breath and a groan escaped me.

“He’s awake” I heard in Arabic. A kick to my ribs let me know this wasn’t welcome news.

“Here is good enough.” The blanket was thrown back and I felt myself being picked up by three men. My hands and legs were bound and there was a weight attached to my feet. I struggled as they lifted me, but to no use. The water was like a shock, it was so cold. And I reflexively gasped. The weights on my legs dragged me below the surface as the motorboat sped off.

I struggled against the plastic that held my arms bound. If only I could free my hands. I twisted my arms until the zip ties cut into my flesh. I tried to slide one hand out from under the loop. The pounding in my ears grew louder. Darkness.