Book 1: Friends and Enemies (1)

Ainslee

“Oh, my Goddess!” Annamarie says from where she sits on a comfy looking floral couch. “I can’t believe it’s you, Ainslee! You look remarkable.”

I cross the room to hug her, but she doesn’t get up. She has a large bandage on her leg. I’m so happy to see her, someone from home, tears fill my eyes as we continue to hold onto one another for a long moment.

When she finally releases me, I sit down on the couch next to her. Several other people are busy in the room, speaking in small groups, reading, working on puzzles, or taking part in other activities. I don’t see anyone else I recognize from our village, though.

“Most of the others from Beotown are outside in the flower garden,” Annamarie explains, as if she is capable of reading my mind. “I prefer to stay inside right now. It’s too far to walk to get out there, and my leg hurts.”

We both look down to her bandaged thigh. “What happened?” A few days ago, I would’ve assumed she had