Is This Safe?

Chapter 21

"Let us out!"

Joan and I ran to the door, smacking our sides against the door hoping for it to break down, but the door was solid wood. Breaking out would be nearly impossible.

"Maybe there's something here we can use to beat down the door. A piece of metal or furniture maybe--"
I trail off as I rummage through the attic, but Joan catches my arm quickly to stop me from searching any further.

"Let it go, girly. We are not getting out of here."
Joan informed me with a sudden tensity in her voice. My eyes searched her face for any expression besides the stone one she was giving, but again, Joan was full of mystery.

My voice quivered, my hands beginning to shake from Joan's firm grip on my upper arm.
"What do you mean? What do you mean we're not getting out of here?"

"We're not getting out through that door, at least."
Joan corrected herself before releasing the grip on my arm. I rub it comfortingly before she nods towards the foggy window.
"We're going that way. It's our only alternative."

"Woah, woah, woah-"
I step in front of Joan to stop her from going any further.
"Firstly, before you lead me into whatever is going on here, why should I trust you? After all, you just got here and besides, I thought you were dead with what happened back at the hospital. Where'd you come from? What's going to happen to my friends? I can't leave--"

Joan shoved me into the wall before speaking in a hushed whisper,
"Listen here, Jennifer. You follow me and all your little friends will be just fine. Trust me. After all, I did save your life back there, or have you forgotten already?"
My fists clench tightly in anger before she continues,
"It doesn't matter how I got here or survived whatever happened back there, but all that matters is now, and to get us both out of here for good."

"What about my friends?"
I repeated, annoyance in my voice that she kept repeatedly forgetting that piece of information.
"I'm not leaving without them."

"Ugh...is that all you care about?"
Joan breathed out, her grip on me tightening by the second.
"What about you? You care too much and take the time to solve their problems that you start to neglect your own. What about you, Jennifer? Do they really deserve your loyalty?"

My brain instantly froze as a tear or two temptingly decided to fall down my cheeks. She was right. I had been neglecting myself. All I cared about were my friends. After this whole trip including the last one, the only thing I had ever done was watch out for my friends. I made sure they didn't forget their luggage, I carried it for them, I made sure they looked both ways before crossing a busy intersection, I hailed the taxis for them--sometimes--I made sure they ate enough and dressed warmly for the day, and I even made sure they were having a completely good time. Did they deserve my utmost loyalty?

"Yes."
I whispered, feeling Joan's expression soften as I contemplated for the correct words.
"They do deserve it because if you truly love someone, you'll be loyal to them no matter what. Even if they don't return it back or return the favors you do for them."
I added, feeling the need to for emphasis.
"I can't abandon them just for my safety."

"This place?"
Joan interrupted, turning back to her original self.
"You call this place safe? Well, listen here, because it's not."

"Why?"
My eyebrows closed together in frustration. I was tired of her limiting information from me.
"Why am in danger? Why is it just me?"

"Maybe if you'd trust me, you'd know."
Joan sarcastically stated, reaching in her jacket pocket for something.
"This--is what is going to get us out of here."

It was a piece of paper.

The cream colored paper, folded neatly horizontally, was blotched by dirt and spots from spillages from ink. What significance could it have for my possible danger?