My bare feet ran through the soft grass, mud caking on my heels. The night was an inky black, not a star in sight, but large white lights on the circus grounds to guide me. I had to go see EJ, I needed to talk to him. I knew I shouldn't have been out this late, if I were caught this could lead to 40 lashings, or worse. Capital punishment. I shuddered at the thought of my punishment, making my heart and feet go faster. I ran for just a while longer before reaching Jack's cage. They always put the newcomers and the troublemakers in cages. I hated mine, the putrid smell and splintery wood was enough to make anyone go mad. It looked as if he were already fast asleep, making me touch his hand through the bars. He jumped up quickly before relaxing under my touch. I could almost feel his smile as he began "YN..I.." He stumbled. Tears fled to my eyes as I looked at his mask. "I missed you so much Jack." He grabbed my hand tighter, stroking the top of it with his thumb. "I missed you too." He said, a crack in his voice. "Where were you, where have you been?" I asked. EJ sighed "I don't remember, I barely remember anything. After the..accident, I remember seeing you. And the next thing I know, you're gone. I've stayed in the woods for a long time, other than that, I don't know what's been going on..why are you here?" He asked. I sighed loudly "I'm a performer, as with everyone else here." I said, pointing at all the cages. "What type of acts do you..do?" He asked. I ran a shaky hand through my hair, shrugging. "Glass walking, mostly." I felt EJ's hand grip mine harshly with anger. "YN, please, you have to get out of here. This isn't safe." He said. I shook my head "I can't leave, it's impossible.." I mumbled. EJ's other hand touched my face gently "We'll see about that." He smirked.
