Finding Miss Cellaneous Novellas

Freedom

From afar, the stately mansion appeared to have been neglected, with tree branches hanging low and weeds rampant in the front yard. However, as the man drew closer, it seemed to him that the tangled trees were premeditated. Certainly, the supple limbs bent down toward him, their autumn-speckled twigs and branches brandished like bloody knives. 

Suppressing a grimace of apprehension, the man strode forward, with a show of ignorance of the ominous atmosphere surrounding him. 

How ironic, he thought to himself, that I am here to intimidate, not to be intimidated.

The young girl drew further behind the curtain of the upper-most room. The officious man was here now, striding toward the door with an air of superiority. She knew he was not to be trusted. For weeks now, she had seen him, a dark blue speck loitering on top of the hill, often holding binoculars meant for spying into her house. 

Not that she had let him see anything, of course. Almost all of the valuables had already been secured away in the attic, where she had been spending her days and nights. 

The earthy, musty smell that lingered in the air no longer bothered her, rather, it became a solace, reminding her that she had escaped Collection, for now. 

She squeaked in terror as she was reminded of the man's presence by a sharp rap on the door. 

Foolish man, he should know that no one will answer. 

The door opened. She scolded herself for not remembering that he had a key. Now was not the time to be making silly mistakes. This was her only chance of escape.

She gathered her nightgown, her knapsack of food, and the small chest that held the last treasure, the stone of protection that she would keep with her until the end. Holding her breath, she squeezed out of the attic door and padded to the top of the stairs, from where, she noted with satisfaction, the man could be seen standing in the mudroom, appearing utterly baffled at the lack of human presence. 

She was noticed far earlier than she expected, and so she was all but prepared when the man lunged up the stairs, his arms swinging wildly in an attempt to seize her. 

Letting out an excited shriek, she dodged his swipe and slid down the banister, her feet thumping on the marble floor as she sprinted for the open doorway. 

 Freedom was close!

The man, however, was closer.