Forced Paradise

Towards Freedom

I was shocked but I tried to keep my composure. I opened it until I could see a gap between the door frame and the wooden door. I crouched a bit and took my first glance outside of this box, I mean bedroom, even though it was quite spacious.

There was a hallway. I looked down at the floor outside and at the walls. Marble floors. "Just what is this place?" I asked myself half shocked and half annoyed by my lack of knowledge about this new territory. I could see the wall parallel to my room. I creaked the door a little more so I could fit my head through the gap. I was biting my lip so hard that I thought I would soon start tasting blood.

So I finally looked outside. The hallway was larger than I suspected. I could see huge windows on the other side in front of me. The sunlight was creaking in, reflecting on the beautiful marble floor. The walls were of cream white. I noticed paintings on the walls in styles ranging from Impressionism to Classicism and Renaissance. To my left there were 2 more doors and at the end there was a window with a small balcony. "Aren't- aren't there too many windows?" I asked myself the stupid question. But that was really the first thing I thought.

The good thing was that there was nobody in sight. "Clear." I told myself like I was in a mission with my crew.

To my right, I could see a longer hallway. A lot of white wooden doors and walls in between them. I counted 3 more at least. But I could see the walls stopping at one point and I could assume there was a stairway. That was my next destination. "Wait. Isn't that where they want me to go? Not happening." I had to at least try 10 more other alternatives before going to the obvious way. It's a habit of mine. I have to scan the entire place and look for ways for my plan B, C, D and so on.

Since I was relatively sure I'm safe, I got out of the room. I guess this was my safehouse because it's the only place I'm the most sure of so I had to remember it. I tiptoed out of the room and closed the door carefully. Taking my first step, I almost slid on the floor. "Damn it. I'm wearing slippers. I forgot." I facepalmed myself mentally. I carefully started walking towards that balcony, way too close to the wall for a normal person walking. I must be insane to just walk in the middle of the hallway like I owned the place or like I'm a very sophisticated guest in this freaking palace.

I was walking towards the nearest door to my left. I was holding my breath and stepped carefully, in order for the slippers to not make a sound. I needed to be as silent as possible so I could hear any movement that might jaepardize my escape attempt.

I came closer to the door and slowly turned the handle. Locked. No biggie. I didn't want to spend any more time in this strangely calm place exploring anyway. But I needed to inspect so I could find out a weapon and what I'm dealing with while the water is still calm and I can navigate the place with a clear head.

I stepped towards the second door, listening carefully for any sounds. I could only hear the faint singing of the birds outside.

The door was identical to the previous one. I grabbed the handle and tried pushing. Locked. "Oh well."

Time for that big window. I walked a bit faster this time. I was losing time, I had to get out of here while it is still daytime. That was optimistic thinking. Considering I had absolutely no idea where in the world I am, how exactly far I am from my home, what would I need for my escape, my obstacles etc. , I was afraid I would have to spend at least one more night here.

I was now sitting in front of that huge window. I could see the balcony outside. It looked similar to the balcony in my room, but this one had beautiful flowers on the sides.

Inpatient, I grabbed the handle and desperately tried to open the window. A part of me thought it might be locked because of the previous doors, but I had some hope which was then shattered.