The Left Passage

It was an easy choice for any person with an ounce of sense. So you took the left passage, hoping to find an exit- or, at least, something other than more hallways and empty chambers… 

Reluctance snagged at your heels as the way ahead drew dim. The thought occurred to you to turn back, but that posed the possibility of getting even more lost… So, just to be safe, you made the wise decision to grab a smoldering torch off of the wall in case you encountered any danger along the way. 

You anticipated an attack…And you anticipated. But it didn't swing at the flame. Nor did it lunge for you. Upon closer inspection, it was…cowering. The creature’s fearsome howls faded into low murmurs, and you watched with wide eyes as it shrank down from its great posture. 

It’s cloudy eyes filled with fear. A strange guilt washed over you as you lowered your torch, trying to think of what to do. Even after he tried to attack, you felt terrible. Clear and sharp, a woman’s voice cut through the air:

“What are you doing?” 

Running down the hall, a stranger fluttered up to your toes, sticking her pointy little nose to yours! You flattened against the wall to try and maximize the little distance you could make. “What the hell?!”

She fluttered her eyelashes close enough you could feel them on your face. “What are you doing here?”

You sputtered, “I’m, uh- lost, okay? Just-!” At your vulnerability, the pale woman’s wide bug eyes softened, her black bee-stung lips unpursed. Body loosening after she stepped off, you sighed. “You- you never answered my question...”

Tottering over to the creature, she bent halfway over as a thoughtful look crossed her face. After a moment, she responded, “I…am human.” With the giant’s palm swallowing her dainty hand, she brought him to stand. “Like any other woman.”

And you found that hard to believe, as she bore more of a resemblance to a marble statue, or an alien’s idea of a human woman, than any lady you’d met. “No- I mean, like- your name?”

Looking between herself and the creature, she grew somber as she simply replied. “Nobody ever sought to give us names.” 

“Well…Why?” There was a strange magnetic quality to her responses that implored you to ask for more. I mean, what kinda person doesn't have a name?

Her white features were silhouetted by the warm torchlight as she replied. “Many see us as monsters.” Solemness weighed in her words as she continued, “But…if we are monsters, it is but man's fear, and hatred, that has made us so.”

You could imagine that, for many years, their kind had lived in those cellars as nameless legends. It was the same kinda empathy you’d felt for the one you startled- the one who now looked down at you not with anger, but with understanding.

Twitching her head to the side at your silent reflection, the woman chirped, “You were…looking for a way out of the catacombs. Yes?” Shaken from your contemplation, you nodded. “Let me show you.” With an imperceptible smile, she waved at you to follow her. “I come and go as I please here.” Moving like some Fosse bird, she led you over to a heavy looking metal door. 

Moonlight filtered in through the grate covering the window. With a heave, you threw the door open, and you were out on the street! Well, more in an alleyway running along a store shilling scientific oddities... You muttered to yourself, “All this time…” Freedom was just under your nose…

You turned over your shoulder as you stepped out. “You sure you don’t wanna come with…?” It was safest to say, after her explanation, you felt empathy for their suffering at the hands of the world.

“When we leave, we will leave on our own terms. There is still much to be done.” She assured, waving you off. “Now…go.” Behind you, the door shut with a slam. And looking to the far exit of the ally…

Your car!

Oh, you couldn't imagine a better sight to put an end to all this nonsense! After fiddling to open the door, you jammed your key into the ignition!

And wouldn't you know? The damn thing started. 

The End