Escape Room

CHALLENGE 5 (SASHA'S POV)

Sasha placed the box in the car trunk, momentarily pausing in her tracks. She was about to depart, leaving her friends behind, and the realization filled her with a pang of sadness.

A sigh escaped her lips as she closed the trunk, the weight of her decision heavy on her shoulders.

Sasha tried to disregard the thought that had intruded into her mind: "What about your boss? Admit it, you like him." But deep down, she knew it was true.

However, she decided to brush it off, not wanting to confront those feelings in the middle of a bustling parking lot, with people wandering about.

Sasha trudged to her car, opened the door, and sat down. Resting her head against the seat, she shut her eyes and exhaled deeply.

With a sense of finality, she started the car and pulled out of the parking spot, driving away, leaving behind everything she knew.

Sasha entered Bazohai's room, where her sister lay still and unmoving. Bazohai, with her dark brown hair and pink bangs framing her face, looked serene in her black-and-white-striped pyjamas. Sasha couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as she observed her sister, remembering how strong and skilled Bazohai was in martial arts.

A thought crept into her mind as she left the room, heading towards the kitchen: "Is she using those skills right now, fighting for her freedom?" Sasha couldn't help but smile softly at the thought.

As Sasha prepared her meal, her thoughts and feelings swirled silently. She whispered aloud, "I really want her back." Her gaze shifted to her motionless sister, and she added, "So badly..."

Her mind responded with a gentle yet firm nudge. "I know you do," it seemed to say.

Sasha quickly finished her meal of eggs and turkey bacon, washing it down with a cup of steaming coffee.

Inside her own room, Sasha settled in front of her computer, ready to write. It was a familiar routine, as she frequently chronicled her thoughts and experiences, baring her soul to her digital diary.

Tonight, the Forever Dream took center stage, and she began documenting the nightmare that had snatched her sister away.

With her thoughts and frustrations written out, Sasha felt a wave of weariness wash over her. She made her way to her bed, collapsing under the comforting sheets.

Exhaustion set in, and her eyelids grew heavy. Gradually, she surrendered to sleep, finally allowing her weary mind to rest.

Sasha's eyes slowly blinked open, woken by the light filtering through the window. As her vision cleared, she took in the comforting sight of her bedroom: the cozy bed, the nearby desk and lamp, the desk tucked into a far corner, and her closet with all her clothes neatly organized.

With a sense of purpose, she made her way into the closet, preparing herself for another day at the office.

Sasha left her home, locking the door behind her, and headed to her car. Remembering the box in the trunk, she planned to bring it in later.

As she got into the vehicle and drove to her office, her mind started giving instructions. "Just walk in, don't make eye contact, and just get your things."

Sasha gave an impatient eyeroll at the thought and chose to ignore it. She wanted to handle things differently.

Sasha stepped into her office, grabbing a box and offering a cheerful wave to her employees as she went to work packing her belongings.

The process was bittersweet, as she knew this would be her last day in this familiar setting.

Sasha heard footsteps approaching from behind and turned to see her boss, Faraji.

"Oh, hey!" she said, her smile betraying the mixed emotions that bubbled just beneath the surface.

She saw a smile tug at her bosses lips.

"Hey, Sasha."

As she took in Faraji's smile, Sasha felt a flicker of familiarity and warmth, but she quickly pushed those feelings aside.

"Hey, Faraji," she responded, her voice soft yet laced with a hint of resignation.

Sasha busied herself with packing her belongings, silently thankful for Faraji's assistance. The quiet between them was stifling, only broken by his sudden words.

"I'm gonna miss you, y'know," Faraji spoke, his accent smooth and resonant.

Those words hit Sasha like a freight train, stirring up a myriad of emotions inside her.

"Oh, I know. Just call me anytime, okay?" Sasha replied, her voice gentle but tinged with a hint of melancholy.

The silence returned, interrupted only by the soft rustles of belongings being packed. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, as if each item Sasha packed carried a piece of their history together.

Faraji's voice cut through the silence once more.

"You know, you were a great employee," he said, a note of sincerity lacing his words. "I just want you to know that."

Sasha's smile widened at the compliment, her heart warmed by his appreciation.

"You are a good boss," she replied, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Her boss smiled and extended an invitation, "Would you like to join me for some coffee?"

Sasha playfully placed an elbow on her desk, raising a curious brow as she pointed at him.

"Are you asking me out?" she joked back with a hint of mischief in her tone.

Her boss chuckled and dismissively waved his hand. "No, no, it's just an invitation, no dates," he clarified.

Sasha tried to hide her slightly disappointed expression as she replied, "If you say so."

But after a brief silence, she agreed. "But sure."

Her boss smiled, and they both resumed packing, the air filled with a mixture of bittersweet nostalgia and an underlying tension.

Faraji interrupted the silence, saying, "Do you ever feel lonely without your sister?"

"Oh yeah, always," she admitted. "But sometimes-" Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "I talk to myself."

Faraji chuckled, intrigued by her admission. "Oh really?"

Sasha held up a photo of the entire staff, a tangible reminder of her time spent working alongside them.

"I see," Faraji murmured, his gaze lingering over her shoulder. "You should take that. You'll be gone a while."

Sasha hesitated, her loyalty to her work making her reluctant. "But-" She looked at the photo, its familiarity a comfort in the midst of change.

However, Faraji placed it in the box, gently persuading her, "Ah, little Sasha. You can take it."