Tangled

Chapter 243

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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.

seen it in so

sharply to the right. She pushes

and humidity hit me like a wall. I stumble, momentarily disoriented

in some kind of massive greenhouse. Lush

243

Lisa: Strango Introductions

and spilling out of planters. The air is thick with the scent

flowers.

immediately form on my skin. My simple cotton outfit, so comfortable in the air-conditioned halls, now feels

I trail after her, trying

into this indoor jungle, a thought strikes me with the force of a physical blow. I could

and bolt. My guide

But then what?

I am or how to get out of this place. Those endless, identical

what punishment would await

fleeting fantasy of freedom and hurry to catch up

an equally diminutive old man sits at a table. His beard cascades to his feet, and he peers through spectacles at a newspaper

sized for

booster that gets him to the level he needs to

I'm too worried about

into a chair. I stumble, barely catching myself as I fall

of sweat forming

rather not

that, there's something about this old man that puts me at ease. A sense of warmth, of friendliness, radiates from him. It's

we've never met.

do I feel this way? After everything I've been through, I should be on high alert. Instead, I find myself relaxing

of trick. Maybe they've drugged me. Maybe this

security.

force myself to stay alert. I won't

his Ble. 1

to my internal study him, searching

unhurried as he reads.

movements

the intensity in his eyes. They're old eyes, yes, but sharp and clear, almost terrifying with

says, his voice surprisingly strong and deep for

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