Chapter 9

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Chapter 9

Sometimes, life threw you salt when you had a wound. I learned this the hard way when I was forced not only to leave my home in Detroit, but also my haven of safety in New York City. Now, to add even more insult to injury, I was being ripped away from the one person in my life who I felt comfortable enough with to somewhat let my guard down.

Three weeks after the declaration of war, and two weeks after my arrival at Narnia, my world was being thrown through a loop again.

"How are you feeling?" Ling asked. 

I glared at her. 

"I know your job means we won't be seeing a lot of each other for a while, but maybe something good will come out of this." Ling tried again.

We were sitting together, hidden between the tall shelves of grain and preserves in the back of the food warehouse. I was quiet, as I couldn't imagine anything positive happening as a result of my unfortunate job sentence.

"Think on the bright side." Ling continued, "At least you get to travel."

I didn't reply. Instead, closing my eyes, I felt myself retreating into the depths of my inner person. I conjured up a place where nobody could bother me; an oasis of peace where the only inhabitant was myself. I stayed in that calm place. Nurtured it. Felt myself be consumed by the dark comfort it brought.

When I opened my eyes, Ling was gone. I checked one of the glowing red digital clocks mounted on the walls, only to find that my trance-like state had lasted for over an hour. I hoped Ling didn't think I had intentionally ignored her feelings. In truth, I cared too much. It wasn't in my personality to attach myself to someone I had only known for such a short amount of time, and the idea of being emotionally reliant on a person alarmed me.

I sighed.

"The food warehouse will be closing in fifteen minutes. Please collect your rations and exit the storage area. Thank you."

I stirred at the announcement made by the automated female voice. Gathering myself off the floor, I made my way through the maze of shelves just as the lights shut off behind me.

My room was quiet when I arrived a few minutes later. Ling was already in bed, snoring softly through parted lips.

I wasn't one for sentimental, melodramatic "goodbye" moments when it came to packing up and leaving. It was just better to fade out of a person's life. Rip the ban-aid off and move on about your daily routine.

In truth, Ling didn't even know what my job sentence actually was. On the day I received my assignment, I was sworn to secrecy on the entire thing...

Two weeks prior:

"May I help you?" the officer spoke with a clipped, sharp voice. 

"I'm here for my assignment." I said, trying to keep enthusiasm in my voice. The officer looked me up and down. 

"What are you good at?" She demanded. 

What am I good at? Question of the century. I opened my mouth to speak, but the officer beat me to it. 

"You're pretty short. Youthful appearance." She noted. "You'll do." She handed me some papers. 

"Excuse me? I'll do what?" I started. The officer tapped the top of the papers. My assignment was emblazoned at the top.

"What the hell?"  

"Come with me, Miss Hunter. This process will be easier if you do not resist." The officer appeared in front of me and yanked me by my arm through a set of heavy doors located behind the desk. I glanced back, only to see Ling staring at me with a horrified expression on her face.

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