Keys

 

 I jumble the keys around the ring frantically as I hear the footsteps echo loudly through the long corridor. If I were to be caught, I would absolutely be killed; the only thing unknown would be how. I slam one into the slot, it’s curled metal swirls stopping the key from entering the doorway. Not that one, not that one. I scream inside my head as my internal clock ticks faster. I hear the owls squeaking over my head, hidden in the rafters, watching me; my cover was definitely blown.

 I push another one into the slot, this one plain and with a weathered tag attatched to it, the writing unreadable. I turn the lock and hear it click, the metal door pulling into the room slightly, leaving me to push the weighted door open as quickly and quietly as possible. I grunt and push my weight against the door and fall into the room, my eyes falling across every highly adorned object in the room; even just taking one of these things and reselling it could feed me for a whole year at the least.

 The footsteps stop near the door, the echos halting and falling into the huge room, now the sound of heavy breathing catching in my ears.

 “I’m so glad it’s dark in here.” I almost whisper but I catch myself and retire the thought to my brain. I see the old wardrobe across the room and begin to pull my 80 pound, rail-thin body across the creaky, wooden boards that are half nailed to the floor. I reach it silently, my fingers flying over the dusty wood, looking for a handle when they find a lock. “Shoot.” I mumble and I quickly cover my mouth in frustration and surprise at what I had done.

 “I hear you, little girl. Come out, you won’t be harmed.” his steely voice runs across my ears, sending a shiver down my back as I hear a sword or dagger being drawn; I’m so thankful the moon isn’t out tonight. For one, I would be seen much easier, and the next, I would’ve seen the weapon he had this time.

 Soft clicks as I sort through the key ring, my fingers feeling the lock and the falling through the keys, searching for a match. I find one I think may match and twist it slowly in the lock, the squeal quiet but I clench my teeth in fear. I ease the door open, fitting my small frame in and pushing back through the fur coats and boxes of hats, mittens and scarves; these could save all the families living on the streets, my friends dying from the record teeth-chattering winter of 1904.

 I slow my breathing, praying the man with the wooly beard and heavy set brow doesn’t find me this time. The heavy boots near the wardrobe and I push myself against the wooden back, the smooth surface cool against my bare legs. The door squeals open and the light from his candle begins to flood the large wardrobe.

Author's Note

Wrote this kind of fast, so excuse any spelling/format errors (tell me if you find any!) and I'm not totally 100% behind this story, so tell me what y'all think. Thanks y'all!

Reviews

[Craig2591]

Very suspenseful and full of nice visuals. I like it, but I think you're right. It seems a little rough, like it was written in a hurry. I don't see anything wrong with it. Just needs a little finessing. Don't get me wrong! It's good, but not your best.

Once again with the mystery. Who is she? Who is the man? Where is she trying to go? I LOVE that sort of thing.

[K.]

Thank you so much Craig! And yeah I was trying to work with the idea I had in this dream and I wrote it out before I could forget it, so hence the the rushing! I might rewrite parts of it when I get the time but thanks for reviewing! And ahhh yesss, the mystery! It kinda reminds me of The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe now that I reread it, but with a darker side with more mystery! Thanks again.