Inexperienced Heart

Chapter 12: Landa's Controlled Mind

When they arrived at their house, everyone ignored each other and climbed into their beds, except Landa. She went somewhere, refusing to tell anyone where her destiny lay.

The next day, after breakfast, Logan and Goldtin knocked on Landa's door and walked in without her permission. They told her they wanted to talk to her about when her mind was being invaded and controlled by someone else. Landa shut her book and stacked it on her shelf.

"What about it?" she asked.

"Well, the first thing that made me suspect you were being controlled was that one morning when we were searching in Mira's house. You had a faraway look on your face as if you weren't really with us," explained Goldtin.

Landa recalled the memory clearly. "You are right. I was being controlled and I couldn't properly concentrate on anything. When I found the letter, I prevented Logan from screaming it. I also saw Logan turn into a hideous monster, which is why I yelled that he kidnapped Mira. I tried to kill Logan because someone made me believe he was the monster. I also wanted to rescue Mira alone and I had a sudden passion to kill her captor. While Logan was sharing the story behind Lost Surfer's Hollow, I asked a random, unimportant question because my mind was being closed and I didn't want to miss any part of the story. I managed to fight against my controller and kept my mind open to reality. I overheard Goldtin and my parents talking about some incantation I said. I don't even remember saying any such thing.

"That night, I was determined to run away. I was frightened and I didn't want to endanger anyone around me. I opened the window in my room and decided I couldn't jump down safely without getting injuries. I spoke the words, 'I wish I could fly,' and some invisible force allowed me to fly. I landed in the same way. It was dark when I hit the ground and as I had not brought along a flashlight, I decided I would rest and resume my journey in the morning. But, my mind was controlled just then. All I remember is I ran a lot. Someone was leading me to Lost Surfer's Hollow. I know my mind was regularly controlled and uncontrolled. And soon, Logan found me.

"When we were riding the bikes, all I remember is my mind being controlled. It felt to me like I was controlled for a long few hours. I haven't been controlled since then. But it's weird. I can't remember everything. It's as if this controller lets me remember the general stuff, but he removes the stuff from my brain that he doesn't want me to remember. Also, I really found out I was controlled by hearing you talk about it. For instance, on the bikes, I didn't really know I was being controlled until you guys started screaming at me I was going the wrong way," Landa finished.

"We should keep this information confidential. Between just the three of us. We shouldn't even tell your parents, Landa. We don't want to worry them more than they already are," Logan offered. Landa nodded and agreed.

"What's the plan for tomorrow?" asked Landa.

"Mira's Dolphin Zoo," responded Goldtin. "By going to the places Mira goes to most often, I'm hoping to find Mira and a clue to where Lost Surfer's Hollow is located."