| * |
|
|
Maryann did as she was instructed. She glanced up and down the hall as she crossed to the other door, but there was nothing to see except the stone hallway lined with doors. Opening the door, she entered a room nearly identical to the one she had left, but smaller. This room was about 9 feet on a side. The door clicked as she closed it behind her. She tried twisting the knob after it closed. She was locked in. In the center of the room was a table laden with food and drink. She sat at the chair as instructed and buckled the collar about her throat. After affixing the padlock, she paused. On the table was a medieval looking pair of manacles, connected by a foot of crude but very heavy chain. Maryann sighed and locked one on each wrist. Then she examined the food.
Although she was very hungry, she eyed the food suspiciously, especially the pitcher of water. I knew what she was thinking. Would she have to drink this same water a second time? She shrugged in the realization that she had nothing to say about it. The food consisted of English muffins, yogurt, a pot of tea, several kinds of fresh fruit, a bowl of cornflakes with milk, and a large pitcher of water. Maryann was very hungry and didn't know when she'd eat again. She ate everything. The food made her drowsy and she fell asleep in the chair.