This is a book that I have been working on for a while. I haven't been super consistent with it, but I have been working on it a little more often. I am certainly not finished, but I hope to turn this into a hardcover book one day.

It's about a girl named Kahina. She is trying to protect a treasure that her parents were trying to keep hidden from an enemy. And they were killed for it. Now she feels it is upon her to protect what her parents could not. 

Here it is so far.

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

I was standing on the dock. It was dark, and they were after me. I wasn’t sure whether this was the best idea. I decided it wasn’t up to me. It wasn’t up to anyone, not anymore. I figured that out way too late. It was almost time. As I hopped into the small canoe waiting for me in the River, I heard the sound of a car on gravel… they were here, and time was almost up, so I started paddling to the other side of the River. I heard the sound of car doors shutting, I had very precise hearing, which was good for situations like this. I turned my head to see how far behind or close they were, and then I heard one of them yell, “You won’t get far Kahina!” I didn’t reply, I was way ahead of them, but then they took out a boat like mine, though it was almost two times bigger, I still knew I would win. I already had. They were about 20 yards away, but it felt like they were much closer. As they all hopped into their boat, I hopped out of mine. I had reached the other side, and the warm damp grass felt good on my bare feet. I was wearing a little white flowy gown that my mother made me, it blew wherever the wind went. “Ah.” I said quietly to myself. The wind was leading me. I walked in the direction of the wind, always pushing me a little more to the left, so I went left. I bumped into a brick wall covered with vines and leaves. I knew what to do, I pushed the leaves out of the way, and then I pushed some rocks away too. I walked in, and the first thing I saw was a big golden chest. “Wow.” I whispered. It was beautiful, and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to hide it, or myself, for long. They were coming, and they wanted it all. I couldn’t let myself down this time. The last time I tried something like this, they won. I wanted to get even. It wasn’t fair of them to do something like this. My parents were gone, and now I was close behind them. This is the only way I would keep myself from dying. But no… they wouldn’t let that happen would they… they just wanted themselves to be happy, they didn’t want anyone else to be happy except for them. Suddenly I broke out of my thoughts. I heard them get off of their boat, and then I heard one of them say in a whispery tone, “Find her! And don’t lose her!” then they came over to where I was. With all of them wearing the green suits, it was a little difficult to tell which was grass, and which was person. “Come out, come out, poppet. We know you’re here somewhere.” I realized I wasn’t breathing. I took a deep breath, and then I took a small step forward, and then I tripped and fell out of my hiding spot with a yelp, and they all turned around and looked at me. I was tearing up at this point, but I got the courage, and strength, to get up. The Boss walked up, and took me by the wrist, “You think you could hide, didn’t you? Well, thanks to you, that treasure is mine now.” He said and started walking away. “No,” I said back. “ He stopped in his tracks, “Excuse me?” I stood up a little taller. “I said, no. You think you win every time.” I replied, although I was feeling like a total loser and that I was probably going to lose anyway. “That’s because I do. And if you think otherwise, you’re wrong.” He sounded serious, but I tried to not think about it. “I’m not wrong, you’ll see.” “I already have seen, you will never win.” He said in his ‘you’ll regret that” voice. “We’ll see.” I replied confidently, and then he walked past and into the cave and said over his shoulder, “Nakavt onu.” and suddenly I felt something hard against my head, I fell onto the ground, and fell asleep. 

~~~

A few days later, I awoke, and when I did, I found myself in a familiar room. I was thinking about walking out and running away, but they found me once, they would probably find me again. I went to touch my head, it hurt so terribly. I was sure it would take a while to heal. I got off the bed to observe the room. I was looking at a golden calf, it was sure shiny. I picked it up, it had some weight to it. Then, before I could put it down, someone walked in. It was the Boss. “Beautiful, isn’t it? From Israel.” He walked over and took it out of my hand softly. “It is,” I said back. “Why do you think it comes from Israel?” He asked. “Because the Israelites made it? They made and worshiped it, and it became popular in many cultures. But it was a sin.” I said, my father used to teach me all kinds of history, and at the time, he even taught me languages. “Impressive. Seeing as you are 11.” He stated. “My father taught me all kinds of history. And I’m not 11, I’m 13.” I replied, offended. “Where’s the difference? But, really, why should I care.” He said. There was a moment of silence. You could hear a pin drop. Then to break the silence I said, “Why are you keeping me here? There’s nothing I have for you. And there’s nothing I will, or could give you.” I asked with a convincing worried look on my face. “Well, you are helpful. We could use you. Do you have any arguments?” And that was the answer. That was it, I was finished. I failed my mission, and now I was helping the people I least wanted to help. So I didn’t answer. “Thought not. Now, let’s get to business.” Then he walked out. And I just stood there silently, thinking about my next move. When I went into the tent for dinner, I found them all in a circle. I paused, “Ah, there you are. I was afraid you’d run off. Luckily, here you are.” the Boss said. I didn’t reply. There was no way I could run away, he had guards everywhere. “So, we were just discussing that gold chest you found for us. We need a key, and you are the one who probably knows where to look. Or even where it is on the spot.” I was filled with rage, so I couldn’t keep it in any longer. “First of all, I didn’t find that for you, second, yes, I do know where it is, and third, I will not be helping you. Do you expect me to do such a thing? You killed my parents, you can’t force me. I would rather any punishment than help my enemy, my father would do the same.” I was not about to succumb. Not today. Not ever. “Ah, I see. You have your father’s genes. And his temper. If you do not help me, you will suffer the punishment. And I don’t think you would want to take it.” He replied. But I didn’t accept. “I don’t care what it is. I’m prepared, I can take the pain. I’m not weak.” I tried to sound strong. “Yes, you are. But you don’t even know it. Do you? I see it all the time. And every time I look into your eyes, I see fear. And pain. You will never win.” He took me down with those simple words. I would never win. I tried to stand, but I broke out and fell to the ground. I woke up in a dark room. I tried to stand but then I realized that my hands were chained to the bed I was sitting on. “No!” I screamed. I shouldn’t have been so innocent! That was my weakness, and I wasn’t good at keeping it in a locked-up chest. I heard someone talking, I tried to go as far as I could to the door. Not far enough. Still, I heard them talking. “What are we going to do with her? If she won’t help us, where’s the point in keeping her here?” One man said. Probably the manager. “She will help us. Or she’ll face the consequences. Go in there and get her, it’s time.” That’s when I speed-walked over to the bed, climbed on, and curled up. Suddenly, I felt the need to cry. And before I could stop myself tears were streaming down my face. Someone came in. I could feel his eyes on me. I looked up and wiped my tears off. 

“Uh. The Boss wants you. Come with me, little one.” He said. I could see a glimpse of kindness in his eyes. But I held up my hands to show him I couldn’t. “Oh, right.” He came over and took out a small key, put it in, and then took out my hands by the wrists. “There we are. Come along.” I hopped off and started to follow him when I heard a small song-like sound. It was wistful; but strong. I paused before the young soldier tugged me along, “We haven’t got all day,  and the Boss needs you.” he said in a stern but soft voice. And we walked forward.

 

                                                            ~~~

 

When we arrived at the tent the Boss was the only one there, I have to admit, I was quite nervous. I didn’t know what was going to happen, so I just kept my mouth shut. “So, let’s talk business.” Said my enemy. The manager stood by the tent archway. “Ahem.” Coughed the Boss, the manager jumped, “Oh, right. Sorry.” and walked away. The Boss motioned for me to sit down, but I preferred to stand. “Sit, please.” And I sat. So long for my plan of not sitting down. “So, now that we have the chest, and more importantly, you, we have a better chance of finding the key. I arranged a meeting with an old friend of mine, after, he will be leading an expedition into the forest. You will be with him, leading us to the key. Do you understand?” I couldn’t believe it. I was actually about to help them. Wait! What if I didn’t have to? “What are my choices?” I asked, anxious for the answer, “There are no choices. You will be leading us either way if we have to torture you first.” “Oh.” Oh. I was not expecting that answer, I should never have thought we were getting along. He always has something up his sleeve, and it was starting to get under my skin. “Isn’t that a bit harsh?” I asked, “No, actually it’s quite reasonable.” he replied. “Well, you might have authority over me, but you don’t own me,” I said. “That may be true, but I still have authority over you, which means I can still tell you what to do, didn’t your father ever tell you to obey your elders?” He asked, “No actually, he told me to listen to my instincts, which tell me not to trust you. Ever. That good enough answer for you?” I replied, somewhat harsh. “Yes, yes, that will be fine.” The Boss replied, I was shocked to see him so, well, so… carefree. It was unlike him, unusual. I was a little concerned, as I should be. “So, that will be all I need to hear from you, for now, little one,” They kept calling me, ‘little one’ was that a good thing? Well I have to say I wasn’t a fan of it. And then he said, “Onu gotur.” in a language I could not understand. But before I knew what was happening, I was being dragged away by two men who had a harsh grip on each of my arms. I didn’t see the young man that took me to the Boss earlier, I guess he wasn’t available right now, I needed to talk to him. I knew there was something in him that the others didn’t have. I don’t think he was one of the bad guys, maybe he’s undercover or something. But if he wasn’t one of the bad guys, who was he? Was he on my side? I need to talk to him ASAP. 

                                                         HOUR LATER…

 

I woke up in the same room where I saw that young man. I am going to try to sneak out and find him(my hands weren’t in the cuffs that held my hands in earlier.). I thought. I walked to the door that was left slightly ajar, I quietly opened it a little more, it made little squeaky noises, I winced and looked down the concrete hall. That’s when I saw a whole bunch of doors all along the sides of the hall, must be where all the soldiers’ rooms are, but he could be in any one of them! I imagine knocking on one of the doors, and the wrong person opens it, then I get captured and get locked in my room for real. I try to take my mind off of all the things that could go wrong. 

I walk down the hall of doors in my bare feet. I heard some of the soldiers coming my way, that’s when I panicked and accidentally leaned on one of the doors, then someone opened it and I fell in, and someone caught me before I fell against the ground, I let out a muffled scream, for the young man I was looking for covered my mouth. He turned me around to face him. He must have known I was coming...  somehow. “Shh, they’ll hear you. Close the door,” He whispered, I just stood there in silence, too surprised to react. He sighed and, not taking his eyes off me, quickly reached his hand over my shoulder and closed the door behind me, I stared into his calm eyes. And once I realized that he was looking straight back, I quickly blinked my eyes in a different direction. Once he had the door closed, softly took my hand (just barely.) and guided me to a small sofa. I sat down and watched as he poured some tea, then he asked, “Do you like sugar?” “No thank you,” I replied. He handed me the tea and sat down with his own cup. “So what exactly do you do ‘round here?” I asked, confused, “Look, I’m not you’re friend, I just want to help you.” he said. “Then if you’re not my friend, why help me? Why can’t we be friends?” I stated. “That is plainly out of the question. I’m sorry, I don’t want you to go through this. If my boss finds out I’ve been helping you, I’ll get a serious punishment.” He replied. “Well, I guess you are one of the bad guys,” I said, “No, no, you don’t understand, I’m not one of them. I am one of the good guys. That’s why I’m helping you.” He said, with a sparkle in his eye, and slightly smiling. “Well, why do you work with the actual bad guys then? Of course, if they don’t know that is another matter.” I replied, his eyes lit up, “Evet, yes, exactly. They do not know, and I don’t intend for them to find out for a long, long time.” I began to notice his features. He had a handsome face, proud shoulders, and somewhat noticeable jawlines, his eyes were blue, and he had brown hair. The look of his hair quickly decreases from a long top to completely short sides and looked quite good with his face. He then stared at me with longing in his eyes. “What?” I asked. “It’s just, I haven’t spoken to someone for a little while. And it feels good to communicate.” He said, my stomach lurched with bullfrogs and butterflies. “Oh, well, I mean… I don’t really talk to people either, so..” I laughed quietly, “That’s not a bad thing, just that, well… I don’t know. Nothing bad.” He chuckled. I smiled at the handsome young man, who smiled back, but he quickly looked away. I stopped smiling, and that once pleasant smile turned into a frown. I sighed. “Well, is that all?” I asked softly, and he said, “No, I want to tell you something.” “Oh?” “Yeah. Well, it’s not at all complicated,” He said. “Well, please get on with it,” I replied, “I’m very fond of you Kahina. And I’m sorry if this is awkward, but that’s the truth.” There was a moment of silence. “ I-I don’t know what to say.” I stuttered. “Don’t say anything, just get out of here and don’t come back. Please. Trust me, I understand.” He replied, “Um, I have one problem though,” “What?” he asked. “I don’t know your name.” I stated plainly, “Zach. Just Zach.” He answered, “Oh. Do you need anything else?” I asked. “Well, I didn’t yet tell you how to escape. There is a little cave that no one knows about, not even the Boss.” He said, and so I replied, “Where is it?” “You’ll want to follow me.” He said ominously, so we stood up, he took the cup from my hands, placed it down on a little table, and we headed out.  

                                                             ~~~~

Of course, I didn’t know where he was taking me, but I knew I had to trust him, he was the only one who could help me, and the only one I could trust.

We arrived in front of a cave with a big opening. There was a cold wind, and I shivered. “Here we are,” Zach said, his face a frown. “Are you coming with me?” I asked, “It wouldn’t be wise, the Boss will notice me gone, but I won’t tell them where you are, trust me.” He replied, still grim, I think he was sad that I was leaving… though I don’t know why we would probably see each other again. “That’s all it’s about these days isn’t it?” “What? What is it about?” He asked, “Trust. It’s an odd thing.” I said. “Why do you think that?” He said back. “Why shouldn’t I?” “No reason at all.” He looked uncertain. Still, I didn’t question him further. As I started walking in the cold dark cave, Zach said, “Kahina?” “Yes?” I replied. “Thank you.” “For what?” “Everything. Haha, even all the trouble you’ve caused.” He said, “Oh. Hah.” I continued walking in the cave, but I hesitated. “You good?” I heard Zach call, “Yeah, yeah. All good.” I kept going, slowly looking at my surroundings. As I was slowly walking forward, I heard the sound of rocks falling, and just prayed the cave didn’t collapse. I had to be honest with myself, I was pretty nervous about this cave. As I went further, I got more and more nervous. And then, I stepped in what felt like a puddle of water, but it didn’t smell like water(of course, water doesn’t smell like anything.), so I bent down to identify the smell, it was a bitter smell, one I couldn’t explain. I realized it was blood, and for a moment I panicked. I called Zach but he didn’t answer. I was totally and utterly, alone. I dreaded the word, and the feeling, but at the same time, it felt like I was being watched. I ignored the creepy silence and walked on. Then, I saw a faint light and started in a jog, then a run, and next, a full sprint. I was relieved to see something other than complete darkness, and when I was out of breath I completely stopped to catch my breath, but as I was regaining my breath I looked up and noticed a dark figure standing by the other side of the cave. Confused, I closed my eyes, rubbed them, and when I opened them, it was still there. “Hello?” I called. No reply. The figure just stood there, one of its shoulders slanting to one side. And then it started coughing, something coming from its mouth as it did so. I was surprised when it actually started walking forward. I noticed how it walked, limping, and dragging one foot behind it. And suddenly, it picked up its pace, and as it got closer and closer, I saw the face for the first time. I was horrified, it was disturbingly ugly and looked literally dead. It had bloodshot eyes and looked like it hadn’t slept in a week, its mouth was hanging open with black liquid coming from it, dripping down its chin onto its clothes. Its face looked cracked and pale like it had tasted the bitterness of death. It sent a shiver down my spine. I stood straight and tried not to scream, but a few moments later I found myself running from certain death. That thing, whatever it was, wanted to tear me apart! And it was even faster than I thought it would be. I looked back and it was still behind me, making awful noises as it started catching up to me. Then, I screamed, the high-pitched sound rang in my ears, and for just a second, I felt like fainting. 

I saw Zach coming my way. Or at least I thought it was Zach.

CHAPTER TWO

 

I ran as fast as I could, and once I was close enough to see who the person was, I felt a lump in my throat. And I started seeing more people. I tried running past them, but one of the guards caught me by my arm, aimed his gun at the zombie, and fired. I tried to cover my ears sooner, but it was so unexpected and I suddenly heard ringing in my ears. I looked quickly enough to see the zombie fall to the ground. Then, I saw what I least wanted to see… more zombies. And a lot of them. Great. Where did they come from? “Boss,” said the handsome guard who held me, “We’ve gotta get out of here, we got the girl, and we’ll never be able to kill all those zombies, there are too many.” “Good idea, let’s get out of here.” Replied the Boss. The guard started to take me somewhere, he started walking faster. “Oh,” The Boss said, the guard stopped and turned to look at the Boss. “Make sure you find a cell for Zach, the same one she is in should do fine.” The Boss said. “Yes sir.” The guard replied, and I felt sick. How did they find out Zach was helping me, and against them? They might have forced him to tell them. But he said he wouldn’t, I know he didn’t promise, but he asked me to trust him, isn’t that promise enough?

It didn’t matter, I wasn’t getting away anytime soon. That is of course unless someone came to save me… whoever that would be. I knew one thing for sure, I didn’t want to see Zach. Nor did I want to talk to him, but I guess that wasn’t up to me since we were going to be in the same cell. Well, I didn’t have to look or talk to him, but I couldn’t hold a grudge forever.

 

A few moments later, I was led down a hall, which smelled like damp concrete, and to a metal door. The guard opened it, and threw me in, I fell hard on the concrete floor, and immediately felt the cold. “Sorry.” The guard said as he winced, then gave me a weird look, slammed the door shut, and that was that. I let out a sigh. I stood up and looked around the room, and noticed Zach in one of the corners, I immediately looked away. I could feel his eyes on me, “I know what you must be thinking. And I know I said that I wouldn’t tell. But the thing is, I didn’t. When you were a few feet in the cave, I turned and slightly saw one of the guards. We were being spied on. I promise I would never tell, even… even if it meant I have to die for it. I swear Kahina.” I suddenly felt bad for assuming he was a traitor. “Zach-” I didn’t get to finish my sentence, the door swung open and it was so unexpected that I jumped back and let out a little scream. The guard that led me into the room was in the doorway, “The Boss wants to see you.” “Me?” Zach said. “No, not you,” the guard replied with a look of disgust, and looked at me. “The girl.” He said ominously. “My name, is Kahina.” I said annoyedly. “Oh what does it matter, come on, we don’t have all day.” The guard replied with impatience. “It’s afternoon, actually.” I said to the guard who gave me an annoyed look. “I don’t bloody care if it’s afternoon or not, The Boss wants to see you and he is getting impatient.”I sighed heavily and went with the guard, not bothering to further the argument, just before he closed the door, I gave Zach a quick look, and he looked worried. Then I looked up at the guard who slammed the door, he took my arm, and led me to The Boss.

We walked down a hallway of metal. It was cold, and I started to shiver. The guard who had me by my arm must have noticed because he took off his green coat and put it around my shoulders. Of course, we had to pause walking and he let go of my arm but as soon as we stopped, we were walking again. But he didn’t grab my arm again. We turned a few corners and finally reached a metal door. It had a sign that said, “The Boss.” on it. Right in the center. He knocked, and almost immediately, the door swung open. I got a whiff of cedar cologne and concrete. And right there, and the end of the room was The Boss.  “Ah, Kahina. Come right in.” The Boss said in a low gravelly voice. He was sitting on a chair behind a wooden desk in a small room. The guard pushed me in, and I stumbled a little bit but quickly regained my footing. I tried to have no expression on my face, which would help me look annoyed and unsatisfied. “There is a pressing matter at hand that I must discuss with you,” I just stared at him, my expression remained unreadable. “Well, child? Have you forgotten how to talk?” I took a deep breath. “In fact, I haven’t. I know what you want to discuss. And I won’t tell you anything.” I could finally breathe now that I had gotten it out of my mouth. The Boss had an evil smirk on his face that I was tempted to slap off his face. “Is that so?” I knew it was a rhetorical question but I answered anyway. “Yes. Yes, it is.” I stared at him, he stared at me. But none of us said another word until a few moments later, which felt like a lifetime.The Boss stood up and walked over to where I was standing, arms behind his back. He moved in pretty close, “You are going to tell me… everything.” he snapped in a whisper. I moved in closer, our noses almost touching. “I don’t think so.” I snapped back, also in a whisper. The Boss stood straight, hands behind his back, and spoke, in an even tone, “Guards, you may take this young lady back to her room, no food, no water. Three days. And when that span of time is done, you may bring her back to me. Clear?” he said while still looking at me. “Yes sir.” Both the guards said in unison, using monotone voices. The guards were at my side in a second, grabbing both my arms. They led me through the door, and back to my room. 

Once we reached the room, one of the guards opened the door, still holding my arm.

“Well, there you go, miss.” One of the guards said. Then, they made me move forward into the room, let me go, and slammed the door behind me. I stood, staring at the floor, knowing Zach was looking at me. I glanced up, and saw he was sitting in a corner, looking up at me with curiosity, worry, and fear. “What hap-” I cut him off, knowing what the question would be.

“Don’t, Zach. Just leave me alone.” I couldn’t look or talk to anyone right now, knowing my fate. 

“I-” 

“Or do you not understand what that means!” I yelled, finally meeting his eyes, which were filled with tears. I breathed heavy breaths, but calmed down, knowing that yelling wasn’t going to fix anything, even though it felt good to get my frustration out. 

“I’m sorry. I’m just-” I started to apologize, but Zach cut me off.

“Don’t apologize. There is no need. I can’t say I know how you feel, but, please, spare yourself unnecessary actions. For both our sakes.” I didn’t quite understand what he meant, so I gave him a confused look. But it was good to hear his deep, soft voice again. I just sighed and sat in the opposite corner. I crossed my legs and tried to think. When I finally gave up, I looked at Zach, who stared at the floor. I got up, walked to him, and as he looked up, noticing me coming towards him, I sat down beside him, and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug. Then, the tears came. I couldn’t stop them, and I wouldn’t. He hugged me back, holding on tightly, as if I might be taken from him. We just sat there. I felt my shoulder dampen as I felt Zacks head on my shoulder, moving to my neck. I then felt his tears warm on my neck, but didn’t bother to dry it. I pulled back, looking at Zach, whose face was red and damp with tears. He looked back at me, one last tear dripping from his eye. I sniffed, then dried Zack's face with my hand. “Please,” He said, gently taking my hand off his face. “Don’t trouble yourself, Kahina.” He said it so soft, quiet, and gentle, I could not argue. 

 

It was a few hours later, I was laying on the bench in the prison room. I fell asleep a couple hours ago, but I was awakened by my stomach. I felt so hungry. And I needed water. I saw Zach sleeping in the corner we were hugging. He looked so different when he was curled up in a ball. He was no longer the tough harsh guard I knew when I first met him, although he was never really tough or harsh. Maybe tough. Or at least tried to be. I rubbed my eyes. I felt so groggy. And hungry. And in need of water. I ignored the growing feelings and thought about my day. Day one. What was I going to do? There was absolutely nothing in here that would keep me occupied and busy and not-bored. I sighed and stood. I tried to think of what I could do. It was going to be a long day. Zach finally woke up, rubbed his eyes, and looked up at me. “Well, good morning sunshine.” He said to me sarcastically. “Not really.” I said back to him un- enthusiastically.

“Why’s that?” He asked

“Well, I have to go three days without food or water, I have nothing to keep me occupied, and, how am I going to go to the bathroom? Would you call that a good morning?” 

“Oh, uh, no. I suppose not.” I sighed and walked to the door that was right next to the bench I slept on. I pounded on the door. Nothing. I pounded on the door a second time. This time I heard footsteps, a key, and the door unlocked. I stepped back a little bit as the door opened. The guard who took me to The Boss stepped in with an annoyed look. “What was that for?”
He asked, looking impatient and not in a good mood. So I did my best to get it out as quickly as I could. “It was the only way to get someone to come here. I need to go to the bathroom.” 

He looked as though I told the most stupid joke in the history of jokes. He sighed and then said, “Alrighty. I have an idea. How about I come get you every hour, whether you need to go or not, and then, before bed, and that will be it for the night. Sound good?” I thought it was brilliant. 

“Yes, I think you’re very nice to do that.” He smiled a little at that, and I heard Zach groan with un-amusement. “Well, you better come with me then.” He walked closer to me to take my arm. I just followed, despite how much I felt like I was a horse being led. He quickly locked the door once he closed it behind us. We turned left, out the room, and down the hall. A few doors later, I saw a sign that said “Washroom ''. We walked down that hall, and I saw only the men's washroom. “What- where is the lady’s washroom?” I asked in confusion. “We never needed one. You’ll just have to use it.” He replied, with his head resting backward, like there was a headrest behind him. I looked at him in disbelief. “I can’t go in there! What if there’s already men in there?”

“Oh, stop your whining, There’s not. Everyone’s on duty. You wanted to go, so go, before I take you back.” I moaned.

“Fine.” I walked cautiously through the door to the men's washroom. And by the grace of God, it was empty. I realized I was holding my breath, and let out a relieved sigh, and walked to the closet stall, ignoring the men’s urinals on one side, and sinks on the other. The stalls were at the very back. Which was not actually as far as it sounds, they were just at the end of the room.

After I walked out of the bathroom, the guard was still there. With his arms behind his back. He noticed me when I was right in front of him, as his back was facing me.

“You good to go?” He asked, actually sounding caring. “Yep.” I responded plainly. He nodded. Then started walking, I was right on his heels. I did not want to get lost in a place like this.