Akina's Reflection

XXX

Cody told us this was the final flight of stairs before the vent that leads out.

Being almost out, we tried to be a little more cheerful. We told random riddles, and talked about what we would do when this was over. Some of our ideas were silly, others we were serious about, like when I told them I planned to be a pharmacist.

Paul was leading us now, Cody just directed him, but stayed behind him. We were silent for a time, trying to figure out a riddle Cody asked us.

I was just about to proudly tell Cody the answer when Paul stopped.

"We're not alone." He whispered.

I leaned a little to see around the corner.

There was a room ahead, one with a door leading outside, probably the one Cody was directing us too.

Alex and Xela were in there as well, and the mute secretary Alice.

"It's too quiet around here, where is everybody?" Xela snapped.

Alice started typing in her computer, Alex shrugged. Xela glared at them both. Alice then finished typing and turned it around to show them.

It was too far away for Paul and I to read it, and Cody wasn't watching, rather, leaning against the wall so he doesn't get seen. I probably should have as well, but curiosity got the best of me.

"We should look for the other doctors," Alex said, in a low voice. "Or find uncle-"

"We will not go on any man hunts." Xela coldly interrupted.

"Dr. Farsdale could probably get out on his own, damn, he might be miles away from here."

Alice finished typing again, I still couldn't read the text, but Xela's response told me enough.

"Yes, very funny. All the doctors panic, and evacuate, just because Dr. Alstein goes rogue over his son. I saw that before it happened, Alstein was just not a good decision."

"I guess." Alex replied, boredly.

"So if we aren't going to collect anyone, what are we doing here? Let's go, there's nothing else to do here as of now."

Xela glared at him, then side glanced at Alice. Alice nodded, agreeing with Alex.

"Huh," Xela huffed. "You two are big sissies. Fine, we'll leave."

They all got up, and moved toward another door, one leading deeper into the facility.

"Can't we use that door?" Alex asked, pointing to the door that lead outside.

"I said leave, as in leave this room, you numbskull." Xela snapped back.

"There's no danger, we'll just wait for everyone to come back."

"I guess," Alex said, boredly as ever.

"Now's our chance, hurry!" Cody whispered.

"Dash for the vent Sayoki!"

I snuck forward, swiftly and silently as possible. I made it to the door without making a sound.

I turned around, ready to signal Paul forward. I froze before I could turn fully around.

Alex was still within sight of the doorway. He gave me a peculiar look. I stared back at him, terrified.

As I got back to my senses, I quickly leaned against the wall of the short hall leading to the door. I was out of sight now, but I was certain Alex seen me, no, he did see me. It would be less than thirty seconds before Xela comes in.

"What, Alex?" Xela's voice called.

I was refrozen, this time to the wall.

"Did you see a ghost or something, Alex?" She asked disdainfully.

There was a long silence, too long, a night and day could have passed for me, waiting, leaned against the wall.

"...No..." Alex said, quietly.

"Then what's wrong with you?!" Xela barked at him.

Alex reverted back to his bored voice.

"I saw nothing. I don't know what came across me..."

Xela groaned.

"We don't need any mushy talk, come on."

I heard a yelp, probably Xela dragged him off. I was still frozen in fear. I slowly relaxed, turning and beckoning Paul and Cody over.

"Are you okay Sayoki?" Paul asked, genuinely worried.

"That was very close, too close."

"Too close." Cody repeated. He opened the door easily, since there is no need to lock them from the inside.

"Before we make any more close encounters, we're getting out of here."

"Agreed," I said, still pale.

"Aubrey's waiting."

Like when I first came in, the door lead directly to a flight of stairs, then another door, a door made to look like an ordinary old door.

Just like the door I saw at the doctor's office.

Cody turned the knob with ease, with a push, he opened the door, letting light pour into the dim passage...