The Girl Who Lived (2)

Part II: A Discovery

Many endless seconds later, a view hole opens. He checks me over.

‘You’re one of the missionaries,’ he grumbles.

‘Storm’s about to hit. Please, I need shelter.’

‘Shouldn’t have run that far from the flock, then.’

‘Yeah, that’s what they say, too.’

The hole closes. The door opens wide enough for me to slip through. The place is dark.

‘Rule breaker, are you?’

I shrug.

‘I’m Christa.’

Lightning illuminates the room. It lasts so long, it must have struck. But I’m surprised there are windows.

The hermit examines my face, and it changes. From hostile to incredulous to spooked.

‘What?’