Escaping Our Sanity

Chapter 10: Unanswered Victory

The final days of being held prisoner seemed to pass quickly. Sooner than I expected, it was Saturday and I could see the light from the sun peak over the barred window. But that morning I felt a sensation I didn't recognize immediately. I experienced the same feeling of when my family and I would prepare to vacation in Midsummer, years ago. I found it quite peculiar that Earnest hadn't visited my room since the last meeting. I dismissed the curiosity, and focused on the upcoming victory at hand. It wasn't until midday that Dr. Hoffrey visited to explain the schedule for later on in the after noon.

    "Eliza, I don't want you to worry, but I have a suspicion that Dr. Carson has an inkling of where the meeting place is. But I won't stress too much, since it is not definite. At around half past six, I am going to stroll past your bedroom door. You will be able to tell the time by looking at the dusty clock outside your room, hung in the downstairs foyer. I will gently tap on your window, but you MUST be alert. The door will already be unlocked for you. At that point you need to discreetly walk to the painting in front of the meeting place. Once you enter, the rest of the group should be there. Now listen, Eliza.. This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ; You will be able to track the time by counting your heartbeats. If you are there and I do not arrive within 40 heartbeats, you must proceed towards the outside as quickly as possible. Run. DO NOT wait for me. Don't look back. It is crucial that you do this. Trust me."

   I nodded in agreement. I noticed that Earnest was rather antsy. He chewed at his fingernails anxiously. He left the room and continued to look back at me but in that moment, I could've sworn I saw a tear welling in his eye. I was puzzled by this, but I concluded that it was simply my imagination.

I heard the signal, followed Dr. Hoffrey's directions and was greeted by Quinton and the others. I was shortly reminded that I needed to place my hand over my heart and count. I could feel a bead of sweat roll down my flush face. After the time was up, I lifted my head and turned towards the others. "Well... The time has passed. We need to go." I sheepishly added. "I think we should wait! What if he accidentally got caught up in something and lost track of time?! After all, he is a busy man with lots of thoughts brewing in that old mind of his." Margareta blurted. " We must do what he directed us to do. I'm sorry. There has to be a good reason why he told us that." I stated. Quinton and Gregory nodded in unison.

We started to walk at a quick pace down the corridor when all at once, we heard loud popping, and sirens. We paused for a split second and then darted out at an alarming rate. I noticed a faint smell of smoke, and knew something was wrong.