Children's Games: A Story of Modern Consequence

Chapter 6

~Katerina~

"The main thing that you should be focusing on right now is how to get used to all our name swaps," said Anna as she climbed the steps. "Your name is Katerina, but you will only be known as Katerina around us in the privacy of this house. Out there, however, you will continue to be Emilia. But you must not ever forget who you really are. "

She was still processing everything that Dominik had said and wasn't really sure what to say, so instead Katerina just nodded.

"Good. Out there, you will call me Mary," said Anna. "It might get confusing, but it's necessary to stay hidden amongst our enemies."

Upstairs lead to a long hallway with multiple closed doors on either side. Anna led her to the closest door that opened into a small bathroom that was also very clean. The sink, toilet and tiles all looked old despite the general newness of the city.

"First," breathed Anna, casually straining to reach under the sink cabinet. "You'll take this. It will be easier if I explain later."

She was holding out a small medicine cup full of a thick grey liquid that smelled strongly of liquorice. Katerina took it and tried to think what it was... A strong scent could be used to cover the smell of poison.

"Explain what?"

Anna raised her eyebrow at her expectantly, remaining silent.

I've got nothing to lose. She poured the contents of the cup onto her tongue and almost gagged as the liquorice flavour filled her mouth. Anna placed a soft finger on the bottom of the cup and held it so that the disgusting liquid continued to pour into her mouth, ensuring that she finished the entire dose. Katerina coughed as she finished the last of the vile liquid and Anna allowed her to put it down.

"Very good," Anna whispered. There was something intriguing about the way she moved, graceful and stealthy, like a cat. She looked deep into Katerina's eyes, almost waiting for something. She gave the impression that she would be a kind and gentle person, but Katerina could also see that although she was quite skinny, she was all muscle, agile and dangerous. She was almost six foot tall, looking down on Katerina.

Suddenly, she could feel her stomach convulsing and she dry heaved. Katerina covered her mouth while she headed for the toilet, but Anna wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her away. "The shower instead," she said in a soothing voice. At least the shower is clean, she thought as she dropped to her knees and poked her head into the archway of the shower.

Two minutes of vomiting nothing but dirty water left Katerina's mouth burning with acid. She mustn't have eaten anything for a long time for there to be no solids in her stomach, but Katerina couldn't put two thoughts together to even register what this could mean. Anna had started by holding Katerina's hair back as she retched, though after the first minute she had receded to pacing the small bathroom sighing passive-aggressively.

For a few seconds, vomit blocked her airways as she gave one final heave and coughed up a rather large chunk of something.

"You did wonderfully, shortcake," Anna gushed as she leaned over the vomit and delicately grabbed at the large chunk. She brought it over to the sink and ran it over the cold water.

Katerina stayed frozen in her position on the floor as she tried to decide whether she was finished or not. The last few minutes went through her head in a whirl as she considered what a mad day she was having. Maddening.

"Get up, shortcake," Anna rushed impatiently.

She stood and wiped her mouth. Emilia stared at the closed bathroom door, then looked back at Anna... Would she try to stop me? Would she be able to?