It was dark all around and I couldn’t see a thing. Still, I had my duty to search for it. I could not leave it untouched, left for someone else to find. I needed to see it with my very own eyes. Of course I had to find it… He ordered it. What else could I do? Oppose him---Don’t make me laugh. That’s a ridiculous idea. Damn… I really can’t see a thing. What did they expect me to find with no flashlight. I barely even remember what it looks like, much less where it would be in a room that I haven’t been in before.

           I try to feel around me. My fingers stumble around something square. I feel like I’m going to suffocate. Somehow this air feels warm. Strangely it feels like I’ve lived in this air my entire life. Why is it so familiar--Wait, I shouldn’t be distracted right now. I have to focus on searching for it. As I grow more accustomed to the room around me, I can start to make out some shapes in the room. Is that a chair? No wait, that’s a couch. Maybe a lamp in the room as well? Then there’s a whole ton of boxes and covered items.

         The room seems a lot larger than I had imagined it to be. How long have I been in here? I have to leave soon. I need to search for it. What had become of it? Where would it turn up? Would it be just the same as I remember it? I need to find it soon. I said I would leave the room in thirty minutes. That was the time limit I was allowed to be out of sight. If I didn’t hurry back soon I would definitely be punished.

          “What is that?”

          I can hear something. What is that groaning noise? I start to move towards it and I almost trip over what seems to be a box. It stinks in here. The entire place smelled like rotting wood and dust.

          “There it is again!”

           I hear the groaning… What could it be? I keep moving forward and a bit of light starts to pierce my vision.

          “Wait… What is that?”

          I see some strange gray goop-like substance squirming on the floor. It is emitting the smallest bit of light. As I try to rack my brain for any answers I start smelling something a bit sweet.

          Then it all went black.

          What happened? I open my eyes to a very bright room. I look to my right and there’s an open window with leaves flowing into my room. Everything outside is so lush and green. I can feel the sunlight fall onto my cheeks. I feel so safe here. As I look around, everything here seems unreal. The embroidery on the curtain, the shapes in the glass, even the smell of the air. Everything seems so strange yet it doesn’t bother me. Until I realize… Where am I? Was I kidnapped? The last thing I remember was that sweet smell. I need to get out of here before he finds me. I need to explain to him what happened otherwise he might never forgive me. At this rate me might not even talk to me anymore, much less forgive me.

           I try to get up but my arms and legs are strapped down. The only thing that can move freely is my neck. Should I give up or should I struggle. I could just tell him that I was captured and someone held me captive. Or I could try to bite my restraints off. Just as I start to struggle, I am overcome with a strong desire to just float away into sleep. I lay back down and close my eyes. I try to focus on my thoughts but the sun just feels too good… The gentle wind blowing, the sound of the ruffling curtains and trembling trees. I could just lay here forever… NO! I can’t do that. If he finds out I was slacking I will be severely punished. Who knows what he’ll do to me this time. I’ve already been gone for longer than the appointed time.

          I can’t afford to be distracted anymore. Not sure of what else to do I throw my head back and I take in as much air as I can.

           “WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH”

           I scream with as much might as I can muster from my body. I take a few deep breaths. Someone must’ve heard me. I mean, I was captured and since the window is open they must be worried that someone heard me. Someone’s probably coming right now worried that the police, or even the neighbors found out about me.

I waited

And waited

And waited

No one showed up.

           I started to try to calm down. Looking around for a solution, I see it on the bedside table. A vase. I tried reaching towards it. If I could somehow bang it against the wall and use it to cut away the straps I might be able to get out of this mess. I reach and I reach, but every time I seem to get close there’s a heavy pounding in my head and I get dizzy. I listen as the chatter of the birds quiet down, and watch as the bright morning sun dims away into the warm, comforting afternoon rays.

          “Mistress? Are you alright?” A woman calls through the room door.

           My ears are stunned by the loudness of her voice. I couldn’t find the words in my head to return her message. My voice wouldn’t work. I didn’t know what to say or do. It had been so long since I’d heard someone or even thought of interacting with people. There was a knock on the door, then she let herself in. She was wearing what looked like a white apron and blue dress. Her hair was tied up tight in a bun. Her eyes were a warm, hazel brown. Her features were soft, but her cheeks well defined. Her voice coaxed my ears.

          “Are you not feeling well today, ma’am?”

          “I- I- Where am I?” It took a surprisingly long time for my mouth to open and respond to her.

          “What do you mean? You’re in Sir Covington’s Mansion today, Miss.” She replied with a questionable stare.

          “Oh, yes, but what about these restraints around my arms and legs? Could you get them off for me?” I tried to coax her into letting me go.

          “What restraints?”

          She removes the bed covers and exposes my surprisingly lacy nightgown. I look down at my arms and legs. Nothing is there. I tried lifting up my arm and the restraining feeling was no longer present. How could this be…

          “Miss, are you sure you’re alright?”

          “Oh, yes I’m fine, sorry I think I’m still in a little bit of a daze, I did just wake up.”

          What’s going on? Did no one hear my scream from earlier either? I look at the bedside table and even the vase has vanished.

          “Well Miss, I think it’s time you get dressed for lunch. Sir Covington did ask you to join him today.”