(Viewpoint: Roum)
The corridor closes behind us like a tired eyelid.
The translucent walls become darker as we run.
Ela pulls on my hand.
Not good.
Just enough for me to stay with her.
My breath is short.
My heart is beating too fast.
"They're not here anymore...?" Ela asked.
"They're still here," I replied without slowing down, my breath coming short.
She smiled gently.
– But that's funny, it reminds me of how we used to fight over the bread rolls
– No, it's not funny, I always ended up getting crushed
– hha~, small Ela
Then they change their angle.
I don't like this kind of situation.
The figures behind us are silent.
No steps.
No breathing.
Just this feeling of heavy fear on the heart.
"Run faster," I said in a panic. "I can't see them anymore."
– hang on
– What does that mean?
I grit my teeth.
I was suddenly swept into the air and floating at full speed
– AWESOME LLLLLLL, shouted Ela at full speed, a real speed demon!
I swallow.
– I'm going to throw up
She interrupts me, her voice lower.
– little girl.
The corridor splits into three.
Ela hesitates for a fraction of a second, then leads us to the right.
– Are you sure about that, I'm asking.
"Do you know the way?" Ela whispered.
– I should ask you that question.
Then I notice something.
The walls of the corridor are no longer perfectly smooth.
Fine lines, almost like veins, run inside the black material.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
- I don't know .
– You don't know? Elaaaaaaaa
Ela glances behind us.
– let's flee first.
A vibration passes through the walls.
As if something was getting closer
.
"Roum," said Ela, "you must promise me one thing."
– What? For once you're asking for my permission
– If we can't find anyone, never answer their question…
I look away.
– they're catching up with us.
Ela nods her head and accelerates, emerging into a wider space.
Not a platform.
Not a room.
A suspended void, bordered by incomplete structures, as if someone had started building something and stopped in the middle.
The air is heavier there.
Denser.
"Not here," Ela murmured.
–Here what?
– we have no chance
I let myself fall into the void, trying to catch my breath.
– Can you… can you explain it to me now?
Ela closes her eyes for a moment.
Silence
– you still don't have a sense of priorities
– I suspected as much. Explain it to me
– Okay, okay
She looks at me.
– For those with a red triangle… it's simply us, the people in the pit, the beasts to be kept on a leash outside.
– Is this a joke?
– I'm serious. They're here
A shiver runs through me.
– What are the risks?
Ela hesitates.
– Mistakes that continue to exist.
I let out a nervous laugh.
– That's our dream.
Do you want the truth or comfort?
– The truth.
– You're going to see her.
I lower my eyes.
"Don't say anything," Ela ordered.
She approaches.
- it'll be OK
A muffled noise can be heard in the distance.
Something is sliding through the structures.
"They are close," Ela whispers.
– Can't we just… hide?
– sshut! Silence
I can feel the pressure in my chest returning.
Stronger.
I can't predict what you'll do.
The silhouettes appear at the entrance to the space.
Lying down.
Their outlines seem to vibrate.
I look away.
– That's good, Ela breathes.
– Is not—
– Roum .
I close my eyes.
The pressure becomes almost painful.
I try to focus on her voice.
I feel his hand tighten around mine.
Then .
A noise closer.
A presence.
"Where are your masters?" murmured a metallic, almost rusty voice.
– exit permit.
– So why wasn't it displayed?
Ela hesitates.
– Because… I forgot
– Why did you run?
She squeezes my hand a little tighter.
– we were reminded
On the main pulse.
I don't know what that means.
I don't know what all this means.
But amidst this fear, these invisible stares, these absurd rules…
Where peace, goodness, and happiness are found.