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243 Lisa: Strange Introductions
LISA
Wherever I am, it's huge.
We've taken at least three or four turns, and I've already forgotten how to get back. Was it left
it?
first, or right? The last turn was to our right. Wait... Wten how to get back. Was it left
Shit.
Every time I lag behind, trying to map this place in my head-which is little better than at toddler's scribbling at this point, with my confusion over lefts and rights-the tiny woman turns and scolds me, telling me to pick up my
feet.
Before, I would have given her some sort of smartass comment and maybe even slowed down.
But now, my body feels cold sweat at the idea of making her angry. Even if I'm a prisoner, at least I'm a clean and comfortable prisoner here. I don't want to go back to the previous standard of kidnapping.
So I shut my mouth and hurry behind, wondering how she can be so freaking fast with such tiny legs. She's probably the size of a kindergartener, but faster than a full-grown adult.
What bizarre witchcraft is that?
I force myself to focus on the path ahead, ignoring the endless parade of closed doors lining these stark corridors. No pictures, no decorations, not even a potted plant breaks up the monotony. Just door after identical door, their handles gleaming dully in the harsh overhead lighting.
The silence is oppressive. Our footsteps echo off the bare walls, amplifying the sound until it feels like we're being followed by an army. I resist the urge to look over my shoulder. "Keep up, my tiny guide snaps for what feels like the hundredth time.
I lengthen my stride, closing the gap between us. Seriously though, how can someone so small move so fast?
We round another corner, and I blink in surprise, Windows. Actual windows line this hallway, letting in natural light.
Wow.
The sun.
haven't seen it in so
I can get a good look outside, my guide veers sharply to the right. She pushes open a set of glass
I stumble, momentarily disoriented by the sudden change
in some kind of massive greenhouse. Lush greenery surrounds
243
Lisa: Strango Introductions
spilling out of planters. The air is thick with the
flowers.
skin. My simple cotton outfit, so comfortable in the
on us. I
walk deeper into this indoor jungle, a thought strikes
me in place. I could turn around right now and bolt. My guide is tiny. I could easily
But then what?
it appeared. I have no idea where I am or how to get out of this place. Those endless, identical corridors would become a maze.
would await me for trying to
off the fleeting fantasy of freedom and hurry to catch
cascades to his feet, and he peers through spectacles at a newspaper covered in unfamiliar script. A lavish spread
for normal
of booster that gets him to
but I'm too worried
barely catching myself as I fall into the
aware of every bead of sweat forming on my body. I shift in my seat, wishing it
rather
something about this old man that puts me at ease. A sense of warmth, of friendliness, radiates from him. It's as if I've known him
we've never met.
should be on high
some kind of trick. Maybe they've drugged me. Maybe this whole setup is designed to lull me into
security.
fingers dig into the arms of the chair as I force myself to stay alert. I won't fall for whatever game they're
his Ble. 1
man turns a page in his newspaper, seemingly oblivious to my internal study him, searching for any hint
unhurried as he reads.
movements
the intensity in his eyes. They're old
strong
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