Chapter 12

The hallway leading to the staircase is shorter than I remember it appearing to be last night, and it takes no time at all to reach it. We turn right and walk back behind the staircase, through the perfectly placed sofas, and head toward the wall lined with windows. This time, I can see clearly what lies behind them. A beautiful garden with paved walkways, majestic trees, and many varieties of flowers stretches as far as my eyes can see.

It's like an enchanted forest in his back yard! From what I'd seen last night, I thought that the fireplace was attached to the wall, but behind it is an alcove with a set of white doors, and paned glass windows. Two black suited men, wearing bow ties pull the doors open, while Elise and Anna walk through. I start to follow, but pause before stepping out onto the path, to look at my bare feet.

It's not that I haven't run barefoot through the fields a million times before. In fact, I quite prefer living life without being tied down by shoestrings