Page 21 of Madness

“How did you get out of the rabbit hole? It’s almost impossible,” she says, and I flick my eyes to hers.

“Not impossible. Nothing is impossible,” I say, then go back to my food.

“The warden let us out,” Des says, and I kick his shin under the table.

We do not know these people, nor do we know if they are friends with the Jabberwocky that guards us all.

Nurse White is a monster, but the warden suits the nickname given to all wardens who guardWonderland.

He’s ruthless and uncaring – never listening to the pleas of the people who were placed here against their will.

“How?”

The blonde one stays silent, observing us all, his ass perched on the edge of the chair as if he’ll bolt any moment.

“Doesn’t matter,” I say, “Who are you?

“I’m Red,” the woman introduces herself. Her hand reaches out to shake my hand, but I recoil from her touch, “Sorry,” she says sheepishly, pulling her hand into her lap.

“It’s fine.”

I look to the other two expectantly, and the blonde one sighs, “I’m Al.”

He watches us both like he’s waiting for us to react to his name, but I shrug and look to the last member of their little trio, “I’m Harry.”

His name clicks in my head, and I smile, “You talk to the rabbit, right?”

He lets out a deep, long sigh and looks to Hare, “Have yi been telling people that a speak ti Thatcher?”

“Yup, yup, yup!”

“Fuck my life,” he sweeps his hand over his face, “Anyway, you two are?”

“I’m Dusty,” I say, deciding not to cause too many problems to start with.

We just got here, and the way people buzz around Red tells me she’s important even though word of her never got down the rabbit hole.

“I’m Desmond.” My twin says, winking at Red and she laughs, shaking her head at his antics.

Harry scowls but doesn’t say anything, so I assume he’s not with her like that.

Three others approach as we explain how we know Hare, and this table is getting far too crowded for my liking - Hare apparently agrees.

“No room!” he shouts, pointing a finger at the others. I have to smother a laugh at their shocked expressions.

“Who’s the newbies?” the girl with the glasses asks, ignoring Hare’s outburst.

“They are Desmond and Dusty. These three are Rose, Tulip, and Bud,” Red says, introducing us all.

The girl called Tulip waves to us all, and I tip my head in acknowledgement.

Bud is a six-foot-two man who tells us that he was committed to Wonderland at the same time as Rose and Tulip, and I register how he stands between them both protectively.

Rose, with the glasses on, narrows her eyes at Al, who is shaking his head again. “Are you okay?” I ask him.

He nods his head but clears his plate, then leaves.

“What’s up with him?” Rose asks, sitting in the spot Al just vacated.

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