Haxid – 02

The greenhouse-like area I was in was filled with the most exotic plants I had ever seen. Some plants, like the purple vines hanging just out of reach, seemed to be reaching for me. I couldn’t shake the feeling they knew I was there. That they were waiting for the perfect time to strike.

Keeping well away from the walls of plants at either side, I glanced around, trying to find a way out. I half knew this wouldn’t be the way to find one, but I wanted to see all the plants and figure out if I could recognize any of them. The leaves of a nearby flower that looked rather like a peony seemed to bristle at my presence, and I could have sworn I heard a low hiss and growl.

I was even more scared now, but I kept strolling through the aisles, my head held high. My gaze shied away from an eye-scorching neon bush, and I saw the only plant that didn’t seem dangerous so far: A maroon bush in a glass case. I reached for it with one hand, only to discover it was white and gloved. Well, all the safer, I thought.

I know now that was a terrible decision, for when I did get close enough to touch the glass, one vine lashed out and smashed the glass with a single tap. I recoiled from the smell it was emitting, but I wasn’t fast enough. Just before it lashed back into its cage, it drew across my gloved ring finger, leaving a blackened burn. I stared at my hand, my brain only mildly aware of the pain that was radiating from my finger. I gazed back at the bush, realizing now that I couldn’t trust anything.

Or anyone… if there’s even a single person here, I thought.

At that moment a shadow flickered in my peripheral vision. Perhaps I was mistaken.