The inside of the shed had been stripped bare, save for a few random items such as the aforementioned rake and pail. There was also a box of Miracle-Gro and a light green garden hose. Darcy wasn't focused on the shed's inventory, however, she was face to face with her favorite neighbor - The Wise Old Woman From The Blue House. Nobody knew her real name so the neighborhood kids had developed that long-winded identity to describe her. Of course, "Ma'am" was always used by whoever was conversing with her. At the moment, Darcy studied her fellow captive.
The creases on the old lady's face were symbolic of the years and challenges she had somehow survived. Her eyes were a gentle hazel, but still contained more vigor than weariness. A touch of ruddiness weaved its way through her mostly pale lips. There was a plethora of wisdom written on her face. Not a day went by where she didn't impart a token of wisdom on somebody, whether they were searching for it or not. Now Darcy hoped with all her heart that an explanation for the weirdness would be forthcoming.
"How did you even end up here, Ma'am? What is happening?"
The Wise Old Woman From The Blue House answered delicately, "It matters not how I came to be here, just that I am here. I can assure you that what is happening is the fruit of your own decisions."
"So you're saying this is my fault? But why? What did I do? I don't understand."
"Easy, child. Your choices have lead you here to this shed, just as mine have also brought me here. We will find out whose fault this is, but first we need to focus."
A contemplative Darcy responded, "Ah, yes. I get what you mean, Ma'am. So we should focus then... Let me put my thinking cap on."
The Wise Old Woman From The Blue House half-smiled. "Yes, my dear, by all means."
Darcy reached behind her head and gathered her cascading black hair. She quickly fashioned it into a makeshift bun. She held her arms up in a "whaddaya think?" motion. The Wise Old Woman emitted a soft laugh.
"That's the best darn thinking cap I've seen in a long time."
Darcy curtsied. "Why thank you, Ma'am."
"No need to keep calling me Ma'am. I might as well tell you my real name. After all, we are prisoners," she said with humility.
Darcy's blue eyes suddenly became wider and bluer as if she was about to discover life on another planet. In some bizarre way, given her current plight, maybe that wasn't too far from the truth. She had already been witness to far stranger sights on this peculiar day.
"My name is Constance Woodley, but you may call me Connie," the Wise Old Woman stated matter-of-factly.
Darcy smiled at her. "Well, it is certainly nice to 'officially' meet you, Connie. You already know who I am, Darcy Mintworth."
Connie returned the smile. "Yes, of course. I recall the many times you've asked me for softball advice. I do pray I've been more of a help to you than a hindrance, my dear Darcy."
Darcy chuckled. "Oh believe me, Connie. The only hindrance to my softball game is myself. Speaking of which," she panicked, "I'm supposed to pitch in the championship game today! We need to get out of here and fix whatever is happening to everyone. Where are my parents?!?"
"We must stay calm, Darcy. It's the only way we can remain vigilant," soothed Connie, as she rested her hand upon Darcy's trembling shoulder. It helped Darcy relax for a moment and gather her bearings.
"Okay, sorry, let me think about this.. This is my mother's garden shed. We are locked inside with nothing of use to us. Maybe I can break us out?"
Connie shook her head in protest. "They will surely hear all the racket you will make trying to bust through an aluminum barrier. I have a better idea."
Darcy scratched her head. "Do you think they're standing watch outside the shed?"
Connie nodded. "I've heard them lingering outside this entire time, except for when they fetched you - that was when I discovered something."
"Oh my goodness, what did you find?"
"The back corner panel is loose-"
Darcy squealed with excitement, "Yes! I didn't even think to check all the walls! You're a genius, Ma'am, er I mean Connie!"
Connie threw her hand up. "Shhhh..."
Heavy footsteps came from the outside. Darcy went silent while her face turned to a whiter shade of pale. The footsteps sounded even closer. Connie put her arms around Darcy and held her tightly.
Everything stopped.
BOOM! A thundering crash resonated against the shed doors.
Connie pulled Darcy back against the rear wall as they braced themselves. A guard ripped the doors open, the biggest and strongest one they've seen yet.
"I AM CULVER THE COLOSSAL ONE! I have been assigned to guard this cell," proclaimed the guard.
Darcy shrieked in terror. Connie nodded at him firmly, making certain as to not reveal her growing uneasiness.
Culver banged his fists together like two big cinder blocks. "ENOUGH!! Now I came here to introduce myself because I heard you two cretins squeaking and chatting around in here. What have you to say for yourself?"
Connie lifted herself up to face the giant on her own two feet, but she was merely a fragile lamb contesting a fully grown raging ram. She retorted, "We were making conversation. That's what friends do. What it's to you?"
Culver stomped his foot which rattled the entire shed, toppling the Miracle-Gro in the process. "This is a silent prison! There will be no more chitter chatter from either of you. Do I make myself clear?"
Darcy and Connie simultaneously freeze mid-cringe. The Colossal One crossed his uber-muscular arms, impatiently awaiting a response. Darcy stammered, "Uh, are w-w-we al-l-lowed t-t-to--"
Culver brought his foot down again, this time bouncing the rake to the other side of the shed, "YES! You may answer me! The no talking rule begins after I leave. I'm sorry, I should've been more clear. I know we went over that in Guard School."
He muttered something about classes under his breath.
Darcy blinked, "---talk."
"Yes, we understand you loud and clear. We will be silent from now on," answered Connie.
Culver spat out a glob of red saliva and phlegm, "Good." Then he exited the shed and slammed the doors closed. He fiddled with the lock and secured it.
Darcy locked eyes with Connie, as both shared a mutual look of disgust. 224Please respect copyright.PENANA9hbErKJXdk
Darcy pointed to the back corner of the shed. The loose panel had been inadvertently jarred free. They grinned with absolute amazement when they saw what had been hidden behind the panel. Darcy stepped stealthily over to the opening. Connie followed close behind. Then Darcy hugged the Wise Old Woman, overcome by thankfulness.