Episode 15

Alice Wonderland:

'You know that feeling when something's watching you? Now imagine that feeling all the time. And then add in the fact that, out here in the wasteland, the chances of it being someone who doesn't want to sink their teeth into you and rip you apart, are virtually none. And people wonder why I'm cynical. . .'


The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, she daren't move a muscle. The house had fallen silent. "Why?"

Behind the door.

She turned slowly on her heels.

"What have I done, what have I done-"

There , standing in the corner, knife in hand, ready to strike, was a man, younger even, more a boy really.

She stared at him and he stared back but neither moved, It was a strange silence, but not one that made either unhappy, no matter how awkward it was.

"Hi," came the voice from the corner, knife still poised and aimed towards her.

"Hi." came the nervous response.

Alice could feel herself welling up again. Wait. No. These weren't tears. She realised that she was smiling and imediately she turned away to hide her face as a red tinge streaked across her face.

When she looked back the knife was away and the boy was smiling nervously too.

"It's been so long," He began, but stopped, as if he'd forgotten, "It's just that, well, I've, been searching. . ."

She nodded, they were both feeling the same thing. Comfort in each other's company, despite being complete strangers.

There was another short silence,  until a loud creak above them made both jump. Their eyes instantly shot towards the ceiling. Something was up there, in the attic, trying to find them through the floorboards.

There was a strange tapping, scratching sound as it tried to break through.

It didn't take long before the ceiling was shaking and dust was falling from it like snow after the shaking of a tree.

As the ceiling began to creak louder and louder she felt herself being pulled out of the room.

"Run!" he shouted and threw her through the door way. She was on her feet and at the stairs as the roof caved in and the beast scrambled around the room looking for its kill.

The boy leapt towards the stairs and the two tumbled down, grasping each other for support, both emotional and physical.

As they reached the front door they realised that the house was still, all noise had stopped. There were no screaches or roars. Even the sound of footsteps was absent.

"Why is it so still?"

"Something's wrong," She blurted. "Its not chasing us. Why?"

"I don't know, but I'm pretty sure it can't be good for us."

She looked back at the staircase. All that she saw were their own footprintis in the dust.

Alice crept over to the window. She parted the blinds ever so slightly and looked out into the city.

Then she said out loud a phrase, which in her head was terrifying enough, and one which sucked all hope out of the pair as she spoke it aloud.

"They've trapped us."