Downstairs

Part 7: Takami

“Geez kid, you’ve got quite the appetite.” I watched in amazement as Evelyn’s little brother scarfed down a crazy amount of food.

“I’ve barely eaten anything since I’ve been down here, so I’m starving. And this is my first time since being down here where I get something other than scraps from leftover junk food. How long have you been here?” He looked at me, raising an eyebrow as he asked the question.

“This is only my second day here.” I scratched my head nervously.

“So you’re telling me you stayed the night in the royalty suite on your first day here? You must be really good at fighting. Yesterday’s match was with weapons, so it had to of been hard.”

“Actually, I didn’t do any fighting.” He jumped to his knees and got into my face. 

“Then how did you get up here? And with Evelyn? Did you force her to bring you with her? Did you do something to her?” he started yelling.

“No, chill! When I got here, I was tied up and sat against a wall downstairs. This guy said I would get a ‘front row seat’ and left. Next thing I know, I’m watching the purge. Evelyn won, and she saw me before she got in the elevator. So, she untied me and invited me to come with her. That’s how I got to spend the night in this room.” Addison sat back down and crossed his arms.

“You got lucky. My big sister is a really sweet girl. I’m surprised she let some stranger sleep in the same room with her though. You sure you didn’t do anything?” he gave me an icy glare.

“I’m sure. I’m not a creep.You on the other hand, watching you was scary.” I chuckled, and he laughed. The bathroom door opened, and Evelyn stepped out, quickly shutting the door behind her. “How’s your sister?” I asked. 

“She’s awake. She’s just drying off.” she said. She came and sat down, picking up a slice of pizza. 

“She’s awake?” Addison jumped up. Then, he took a breath and let out a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness… I’m so glad she’s gonna be okay.” he layed back on the bed. 

“I told you she would be.” Evelyn said. 

I started thinking deeply about our situation, about my situation. I really am lucky. They all had to endure so much just to get into this room. Evelyn was by herself, and the kids came down here with only a small chance of finding her. At least they have all reunited. But it still must be so hard on Evelyn. I can tell she is so obligated to them. None of us know where we are, or how to get out, let alone do we really understand how we got here. My first day here was like a real life horror movie. I was tied up in an apparently rare type of match. I was lucky no one came and decided to gut me. But Evelyn’s been through that 5 times, twice where she was swept up by the cleaners. And the kids… This is so much more than a game. It’s a nightmare. One that we can’t wake up from. We’ve made it this far. And now me and Evelyn know about that back door in the elevator. I bet we could use that knowledge somehow. 

The bathroom door opened, and the little sister walked out. Addison and Evelyn ran to hug her. 

“I love you guys!” she said. “But um.. I’m starving.”