Tangled

Chapter 243

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Unshift 243

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

sharply to the right.

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

massive greenhouse. Lush greenery surrounds

243

Lisa: Strango Introductions

out of planters. The air is thick with the

flowers.

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

pressing down on us. I trail after her,

indoor jungle, a thought strikes me with the force of a physical blow.

bolt.

But then what?

appeared. I have no idea where I am or how to get out of this place. Those endless,

what punishment would await

off the fleeting fantasy of freedom and

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

sized for

of booster that gets him to the level

I'm too worried about my

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

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 easier to breathe in this weather. Actually, I'm just wishing

anywhere. Would rather

A sense of warmth, of friendliness, radiates from him. It's as if I've known him

we've never met.

way? After everything I've been through, I should be on high

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 designed to lull me into a false sense of

security.

into the arms of the chair as I force myself to stay alert. I won't fall for whatever game

his Ble. 1

man turns a page in his newspaper, seemingly oblivious to my internal study him, searching for any hint of

unhurried as he reads.

movements

I'm struck by the intensity in his eyes. They're old

says, his voice surprisingly strong and deep for such

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