the abandoned theatre part 20

"Really? Me too," the woman says. "Well, more of a scriptwriter, usually, though I have been known to venture onto the stage. Do you know the way out of here?"

Where is the way out? I reach into my pocket and feel the note I found in the classroom. I suddenly realize it's importance.

"I found it, but I think I might forget it soon. We have to hurry. This way."

We hurry down the dark corridor. As if the maze is against us the lanterns begin to go out one by one. If the darkness engulfs us we will never get out. I pick up the pace and soon we are racing for the door. Just as the last light goes out we burst out of the door and appear backstage once again.

The Woman moves forward and picks up a script off the floor. Could the page I had found earlier be part of this complete work? Before I can say anything she turns to me and says, "We need to get rid of this script."

The look in her eyes is one I dare not challenge. I walk over and pick up the lighter and take the script. The ghostly audience watches in fear. I turn to them and light the script aflame. They rush from their places and leap at the stage. The Woman gasps with fright and steps backward. I toss the flaming papers at the advancing host. Their images are engulfed by the smoke and disappear.

I look around for more ghosts. The remaining images hover for a moment over the dying flames before vanishing from this plane. All that is left is a smoldering pile of ash.

The Woman falls to the floor. I turn to the left and see her image fading away. She smiles to me and says, "So this is the exit?"

"No." I say to her. I reach into my pocket and pull out the note. I notice when I examine the note that I too am fading away. There isn't much time left.