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He chuckles. “No, Raven. You’re safe within the rest of the compound.”
“Are youlaughingat me?” I ask incredulously.
“Not at all,” he promises. “I merely enjoy the way you speak to me.”
My foot taps on the hard floor. “Like I said when youkidnappedme, you need new friends. Ones who don’t kiss your ass.”
“I’ll take that into advisement,” he says, clearly placating me. “Enjoy the garden for as long as you like. I’ll find you there when I’m done if you’re not in the room.”
Annoyed with all the things, I don’t bother to say my goodbyes. I end the call and return to the bedroom to grab my sketch pad that I left on the dresser. Maybe I won’t want to punch him by the time he returns if I get some drawing in.
Once I have my stuff together, I cautiously exit the apartment, eyeing the door a little closer now that I know it can electrocute me. That really would have been something to tell me before. It’s only now occurring to me that ever since he told me I was allowed to leave the apartment, the door hasn’t once been locked.
I make my way to the second floor, one I’ve yet to visit, and once the doors open, I realize I still don’t know where I’m supposed to go. Glancing left, then right, I head toward the right hallway. When I round the first corner, I slam into a hard chest, gasping as my stuff tumbles to the ground.
“I’m so sorry,” I quickly stammer and bend to grab my things without looking up.
A heavy hand snags my wrist. “Let me help.”
His voice is oddly familiar, but I can’t place where I recognize it from until he stands back up, meeting my curious gaze. It’s one of the men from the first night in the SUV, the guy with the scar on his face.
He’s not as menacing in the light—or maybe I’m just not as terrified. Either way, I smile at him. “Thanks. Do you know where the garden is by chance?”
He points behind me. “Back that way, second door on the right once you turn left.”
“Thanks. Again.”
He doesn’t say anything else as I turn, which doesn’t surprise me. It seems most of the men around here are fond of fewer words spoken.
I follow his directions and, within another minute, push open the door to the outside world. I inhale deeply and close my eyes, soaking up the moment. “Oh, I’ve missed this.”
Funny the little things we take for granted. It isn’t until they’re gone that it’s easy to understand how much something so simple as stepping outside can mean. This time, thankfully, it isn’t too late for me to appreciate the value I hold for nature.
As I open my eyes, my gaze sweeps across the enclosure, which resembles more of a balcony than an actual garden, surrounded by towering brick walls adorned with menacing barbed wire. But it’s not the imposing security measures that leave me speechless; it’s the breathtaking sight of the array of vibrant flowers that stretches out before me. It extinguishes any and all frustration I just had with Luca.
Peonies, their lush blooms unfurling in delicate shades of pink and white, captivate my attention. Dahlias stand tall and proud, displaying an assortment of bold hues that range from fiery oranges to rich purples. Lilies, their petals elegantly curved, emit a subtle fragrance that lingers in the air. Clusters of carnations, with their ruffled petals, burst forth in a riot of colors, creating a kaleidoscope that mimics the liveliness I’ve been missing in my sketches.
Overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding me, I take hesitant steps forward, my fingers outstretched. I allow my hand to graze the velvety softness of the petals as I wander along the narrow path. Each touch evokes a sense of wonder, as if I am caressing nature’s own artwork.
Inhaling deeply, I’m instantly intoxicated by the symphony of scents that envelops me. The sweet fragrance of peonies pairs playfully with the earthy aroma of dahlias. The delicate perfume of lilies mingles with the spicy, clove-like scent of carnations.
As I stroll deeper into the garden, the sun shines down on me, for the moment unobstructed by the towering walls and casting a warm and gentle glow over my skin. Its warmth embraces me and brings a certain rejuvenation that I’ve been missing over the passing weeks by being trapped indoors.
The tension and worries that clung to me moments ago dissolve, replaced by a serene calmness that I haven’t felt in much too long. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the pure, crisp air. With each exhale, I release any remnants of stress, choosing to savor this moment.
A gentle smile graces my lips as I reach for my phone, sending Luca a thank you I intend to expand on later once he’s home. His reply is swift.
Luca: Did you find the cabinet on the back wall?
My eyes scan the area, and I spot the storage space that I had missed before. Crossing the tranquil garden, anticipation builds within me as I open the wooden doors.
Tears prick at my eyes, and my throat tightens with emotions I struggle to contain. Inside the cabinet, two shelves hold an assortment of painting materials and an easel with dozens of blank canvases stacked beneath it.
On the stand is an unsigned note:
Make as big of a mess as you want. This space is yours.
Damn him. Damn him for being kind when I least expect it.
