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.

haven't seen it

a good look outside, my guide veers sharply to the right. She pushes open a set of glass double doors, ushering me

like a wall. I stumble, momentarily disoriented by the sudden

massive greenhouse. Lush

243

Lisa: Strango Introductions

of planters. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth

flowers.

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

unbothered by the giant blanket of warmth pressing down on us. I trail after her, trying not to trip over

strikes me with the force of a physical blow.

and bolt. My guide is tiny. I could easily outpace

But then what?

hope fades as quickly as 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. I'd be

who knows what punishment would await

of freedom and hurry to catch up

beard cascades to his

it's sized for

that gets him to the level

but I'm too worried about

catching myself as I fall into the seat. The woman bows to the old man and

as I watch him sip his tea. The greenhouse's humid air clings to my skin, making me acutely aware of every bead of sweat forming on my body. I shift in my seat, wishing it was

anywhere. Would rather

as I think that, there's something about this old man that puts me at ease. A sense of warmth, of friendliness, radiates

we've never met.

on high alert. Instead, I find myself relaxing in his presence,

it. I can't trust it. This comfort, this sense of safety-it has to be some kind of trick. Maybe they've drugged me. Maybe this whole setup is

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

newspaper, seemingly oblivious to my internal study him, searching for any hint of

unhurried as he reads.

movements

he folds the newspaper and sets it aside. His gaze meets mine, and I'm struck by the intensity in

strong

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