I would say there isn't any warning necessary for this chapter. Although, this has its fair share of angst so um... enjoy?

Chapter 5: One Door Closes

Words spread around the Nest. Hush whispers carried around from one child to the next. Rumors of the mute girl being able to talk. Having miraculously regained her voice back, Six had believed with better communication, she could finally befriend someone. How wrong she was. It would seem now, the other escapees would avoid her, wishing that she didn't talk. Words of bitterness hurt the girl as the mysterious presence continued to follow her.

"Who would have thought that she would speak? How annoying!"

"I wished she gone back to being mute, then I could pretend she didn't exist."

"Wait, was she even mute? Could she had been faking it?!"

"No way! What a weird girl, that Six."

"Maybe if she makes a lot of noise, she could get caught and suffer whatever fate the other kids went through!"

Then you should all suffer, Six found herself thinking. Gasping out loud from such a dark thought, she slapped her hands against her face, trying to stop whatever malicious urges that were clouding her head.

That wasn't her, that wasn't her!

Hunching over a little, shutting her eyes close, she shook her head. But still... why would she think like that? Did she really want all those kids to suffer? Or was it just what she felt at the heat of the moment? After a few minutes, those pessimistic dark thoughts subsided. Slowly, her eyes opened, frustration etched onto her face as her arms lowered to her sides. Straightening up, Six slowly turned around. She know she was alone, but it felt like there was someone with her. They were always there, even if she couldn't see them. The corner of her vision was getting dark. Splotches of gray and black spread like paint. Briefly, like a flickering mirage, she thought she saw a faint shadow of herself standing close. It was there, looking at her with a vacant look in its eyes. Soulless, broken, incomplete. But easily with a blink of an eye, it wasn't there anymore. Slowly, the dull blotches retreated from her sight, allowing her vision to be clear with color and light again.

Anxious, Six turned her gaze to the ground, a hand placed over her chest. The presence, the pessimistic thoughts... it was like another ego was living inside of her. It was an odd feeling. The thought was hers but wasn't at the same time. The presence felt familiar, but it was also a stranger as well. It was living somewhere within her, but it was also its own entity that could be separated from her.

Letting out a fearful breath, Six returned to her hideout on the third floor. It had greatly changed ever since she got her voice back. Strings of fairy lights hang on the walls, making her secret base look brighter and lively. Instead of her little nest, with the help of her little friends, Six managed to sneak a small pink pillow to be her new bed. She didn't throw away the clothes, however, pushing them to the corner of her room. The walls were now decorated with lots of the pictures the Nomes had drawn.

Drawings of the Nomes holding hands, them outside in the sunlight... Nomes surrounded the girl in white. Six smiled softly at that picture. It was her favorite. Staring at it, she felt calmed and soothed. It made her feel warm inside.

Hearing rattling noises, the girl turned to warmly smile at her little friends. The Nomes had been visiting her as often as they could, much to Six's delight. They were always trying to show her something or were there to offer support. Today, they brought her something, having toys in their hands. Small instruments that were surprisingly their size. Immediately, the littlest one ran up to her, tugging onto the hems of her shirt. It pointed to her and then to the musical instruments. Already, Six understood what they wanted from her.

Ever since she had regained her voice, in return for the Nomes' efforts in keeping her company and happy, Six would softly hum simple melodies for them. She could never recall at what point had she heard this tune before. She just knew it. A tiny part of her believed that it had to be related to her mysterious early childhood, but she would quickly extinguish the thought from her mind. There was no point in remembering things that were most likely bad.

Looking at her little friends, Six could tell they were waiting eagerly to hear her sing, all circled around her. They had heard her sing a few songs before, sometimes when they travel down the mansion when the Craftsman or Butler weren't lurking around. They couldn't get enough of the melody. She didn't think much about her songs' effects on them, but it seemed like they really enjoyed listening to her. The thought of it made her feel warm.

Smiling at them, picking up the littlest one and walking over to her bed, the girl sat down as the others follow. They also sit down, looking at her. Closing her eyes, Six began to softly hum a song. It was a small tune that sometimes played in the Nest. Sometimes, Six could see the Butler entering a room before music flowed out. It was a nice song, the keys of the piano could be heard.

Recalling such a sweet melody, Six continued to hum. The Nomes listened without making a noise, listening intently. They really liked hearing her sing, even if she was just humming and not using her vocal cords.

At the end of the melody, the Nomes clapped their hands. Giggling, Six got up, giving a little bow before setting the littlest Nome to the ground. The skirmish creatures started to wave her goodbye, pointing at the instruments as a way of telling her that they brought those for her before exiting through the hole. Despite she did have fun, the girl felt a little sad as her heart tugged a bit. Shaking the sadness from her mind, she resolved herself.

I'll see them again.

Walking over to the xylophone, she picked up the little mallet. She hit the colorful bars, each having a different sound, a different pitch. After playing for a few minutes, Six sat back, wondering what she should do.

Looking at the pictures hung on the wall, she wanted to draw. Unfortunately, her secret base did not contain any paper or crayons. She will have to venture to the playroom. Taking her blanket with her and wrapping it over herself, the girl left her safe place. Stepping out to the familiar floors, Six began to have second thoughts. The playroom was on the lowest floor of the Nest. She had yet to explore that area of the mansion yet. She might even encounter the third resident who lived here. However, the girl steeled her resolve.

Think of it to better yourself at remembering, she told herself.

With a determined nod of her head, the girl continued onwards. Navigating through the quickest routes and avoiding the monsters, Six felt proud of herself. She had memorized the upper and middle floors by heart. This way was faster but risky. That one was the safest but take too long. After taking the longest way to the lower floor, Six eventually made it to the playroom.

The Butler had been here recently. She could tell since all the toys were put back in its chest. Perfect. He won't be coming into this room for the rest of the day. Walking to the table, Six immediately stared at the drawings on the table. She smiled upon seeing a picture that was out of place from all the others. A picture of her surrounded by other children. This was her second visit to this room. She could recall the time when she was shown this room by her friends just a few days ago.

They wanted to show her something. Attempting to get her attention, they would jump up and down, tugging at her clothes. Relenting to their urging, Six had followed them down a labyrinth of tunnels and vents until they reached the playroom. Taken to a new location of the Nest, Six's eyes wander around the room. Toys were littered on the floor. Balloons bobbing from the ceiling. A few pieces of equipment that look like they belonged outdoors, were cramped inside instead.

Many sheets of paper and scattered crayons were on the table. Hearing the rattling noises, Six turned to her Nome friends. They were on the other side of the bars, into someone's bedroom. They were trying to get her attention, showing her all the fun-looking toys on the other side of the room. Giving them a sad smile, she shooked her head. She didn't want to play right then. Plus, there was no way she could slip through the bars.

"Sorry, I don't feel like playing right now. Go on without me," she had gently urged.

Her friends were hesitant, looking as though they didn't want to play without her. But after some more gentle prompting, they eventually went to play in the bedroom. Alone, Six returned her sight onto the blank sheet of paper. Sitting down, she picked up a crayon and began to draw, entertaining an idea in her head. At the center of the paper was a drawing of her. Surrounding her were seven children with smiles on their faces.

Staring at the picture in her hands, Six began to open her mouth. Closing her eyes, she started to sing. Her song came out as breathy as she tried to add words into the melody playing in her head. It was just her, twirling around as she sings softly with the picture close to her chest. After some time, completing the sweet tune, the girl realized the time. She didn't spend a lot of time in the playroom, but it was close to nighttime. Looking at her picture again, Six decided to take her drawing with her. That was what she decided. Going back where she came from, she safely returned to her base. The first time she did was hang her old drawing onto the wall, right next to the drawing of her and the Nomes.

Pleased, yet tired from today's events, Six gave a yawn. Rubbing her sleepy eyelids, the girl decided to get to bed. Taking her blanket with her, she flopped into her bed, hugging it as if she was on a fluffy cloud. Snuggled in as she rubbed her head against her bed, her body soon relaxed as sleep took over.

~oOo~

Days passed and Six got out more. She knew she couldn't always rely on her Nome friends to keep her company. They should visit her whenever they feel like it, not when she does. However, stepping out of her secret base and walking around the upper area, she still felt self-conscious. What if no one wanted to be her friend? As hopeful as she was, she was also guarded.

Despite she could effectively communicate now, would she still make the same mistakes as before? Pushing others away the moment they grow close? She wouldn't know if she doesn't try. Wandering around the levels and avoiding the Craftsman, Six started to frown.

Where were the other children? She knew that they must be hiding, but she couldn't eliminate the thought that the Craftsman must have caught them. Cowardice and anxiety tie chains around her heart as what little courage she had started to whittle away.

Feeling a little discouraged, Six began to sing, simply using the vocable 'la'. The melody flowed past her lips, her voice seemed to be a guide. Following her song as it leads the way, Six eventually found a little fort made of shower curtains in the bathroom. Slowing her steps, the girl stopped singing as three voices could be heard.

They were coming from the fort. Reluctantly, she approached the little fortified place. Inside were three girls. Two of them were recognizable, once playing carelessly in the sewing room. They appeared to be sisters with their strawberry blonde hair, gray eyes, and same freckled faces. One of them had their hair in a single ponytail and the other had two. The third one was older in the group, having lightly tanned skin and cinnamon brown hair. After taking a few seconds to gather up her courage, Six made the move to approached the group. The girls stopped their conversation, turning their faces at her. She stopped, sharply inhaling as her shoulders tensed. Their faces... there were no hostile expressions. But that didn't necessarily mean that they won't change.

Still, she offered them a small smile, giving them a little wave. "Hi..." she greeted quietly.

The sisters returned a friendly smile and also exchanged a greeting. "Hello."

The third girl, however, didn't give a greeting. Instead, she briefly glanced at Six before turning her head away, scoffing. Puzzled, Six vocalized on the other kid's attitude. The answer wasn't something she was happy to hear.

"Who would have thought you could actually speak? Were you faking your muteness this whole time?" she rudely questioned.

"Kathy!" one of the sisters chided.

"What?" the girl - Kathy - exclaimed. "I'm only asking! Nothing wrong with that."

"T-That doesn't mean..." the sister gave Six a hesitant glance, "you have to be rude to her."

The older girl scoffed, crossing her arms. "Whatever."

"Do you want to join us, Six?" the ponytailed girl inquired.

"Yes," was her answer as she joined to sit between the sisters who've scooted to make room for her.

It was a rough start. However, it was a start she was willing to take. They've given her a chance. So she should use it well. Trying to help, but not get in the way, Six was trusted by the trio to gather supplies. Unlike the very first group she'd join, the girls weren't looking for an opportunity to escape. Sure, stories still spread about that raft built by that one kid at the bottom of the cliff, but they decided not to pursue it. Escaping was risky. It was unsafe. They didn't want to get caught.

Instead, they've gathered materials to make their fort more stronger and efficient to better hide from the Butler. A few days passed. Then weeks. Six eventually became aware of it as she interacted with the girls. So did the other children as well. The girl in white was keeping her distance, all of them realized that.

She wanted to get closer to her group members, wishing to open herself up to them - to trust them. But midway, she would stop and turn in the other direction. It puzzled the sisters who couldn't understand the sudden change while Kathy simply huffed in exasperation.

Gradually, they started to distance themselves from her, which made Six desperately want to get near them again. She knew. She was aware. If she kept on doing this, one day, they will reject her. She was anticipating it. It was inevitable. She just didn't expect it to happen at the end of the third week. It was during the evening when the sun was starting to set. She was getting ready to search for some more supplies until one of the sisters stopped her.

"U-Um, Six?" the sister with the pigtails addressed to her. "Don't take this the wrong way, but... well... we don't think it would be a great idea if you stayed with us any longer."

The response came out as gentle, a complete contrast to when the first group told her that they didn't want her. However, it didn't stop the disappointment and hurt that followed immediately from that answer. It hurt her just the same.

"Oh..." was the girl's only response. Lowering her head down, she mustered a sad smile. "O-Of course. I can understand why that is..."

One of her arms crossed, her hand started to hold her other arm. The fingers of the uncrossed arm started to curl up as her body became tense. She wanted to continue, saying that she understood their reasoning. She was difficult and unpredictable. She had pushed many away - pulled away from them. So it was natural that even now, no one wanted to be close to her. They would think that she'll push them away again. Even Six believed that she would've run away if things had gone so well. It was just her nature to get close before pulling away, repeating the process over and over again. She was different. Therefore, it wasn't a surprise that she was denied, rejected. She couldn't even last a month. Pathetic.

"I'll... be going now," she murmured, her voice small, withholding anguished gasps.

She took a few steps back before turning on her heels and breaking into a run. She ran and ran until her little legs couldn't anymore. Exhausted, the girl panted harshly as her chest constricted and her heart pumped. After a few minutes of catching her breath, Six looked around to take note of her surrounding. She was in a different room - one that she had been to before.

It was the room with the marble floor. It was very lavish but empty. It made Six think of a ballroom like in the picture books she'd seen in the library. Closing the door behind her, the girl looked around the room. She had only been here once but she didn't get the chance to explore it the last time. Despite it was empty, there were still a few things that caught her interest. The chandelier at the top of the ceiling was very pretty. The way the light hit the crystals at a different angle, giving it a sparkly display was mesmerizing.

Feeling the smoothness of the marble floor against her bare feet, Six almost liked this room out of the others she had seen. Almost. Maybe it was simple despite being fancy. It wasn't too extravagant, not too much. The marble floors, the white curtains, the cleanliness... it nearly made her feel... peaceful.

Peaceful.

Six frowned at the word. Peace for her was always so short. It could never last with her. Sighing as her recent interaction played in her head, she crawled into the crack on the wall. Entering the space of her littlest Nome friend, Six could see that they weren't here. While she felt disappointed, it was probably best that it was just her in this empty space.

Sitting down, the girl brought her knees to her chest, her arms wrapping around them as she stared listlessly at nowhere in particular. That interaction kept playing over and over again. Their words rang in her ears. With or without her voice, there wasn't any difference at all. They've grown impatient of her. They've already made up their minds on her. There was no chance anymore, no more hope.

At those depressing thoughts, Six could feel herself on the verge of tears. Narrowing her eyes, she harshly wiped away the drops that threatened to fall, feeling the wetness on her index finger.

Ah, this isn't good, she thought, staring at the teardrop. I can't cry, I can't. Lowering her gaze, the girl buried her head in her arms. I'm sick of these stupid tears. I cry because I'm sad - because I'm weak. If I don't become stronger, I won't be able to survive out there...

So she shouldn't cry. She couldn't allow herself to be weak-looking. As for her voice... lifting her head, Six place her hand over her throat. Despite she was happy to have it, she was also sad at the same time. None of the children here wanted her. What good came from using her voice when she didn't even have human friends to talk to? When all it seem to do was drive others away?

Sighing heavily, she spoke to herself, "It looks like... I won't be speaking for a while."

~oOo~

It has been a month since Six had stopped using her voice to interact with the other children. The only exceptions were the Nomes, who would occasionally visit her in her secret base. But other than that, she hadn't been using her voice often to interact with the other kids. Worse, she had chosen to avoid them again, knowing that they'll only sneer at her for her unpredictable mindset. It made her heart tremble with despair that she hated that she was right. If only there was someone to prove her wrong. She so desperately wanted to be proven wrong. That someone out there could... Six shook her head. It was impossible. She shouldn't dwell on such thoughts, cling to such hope. It'll only hurt her even more than she was now.

Once more, Six found herself in the playroom on the lower floor levels. Originally, she had intended to explore more since the lower levels were the area she had the least knowledge of in terms of layout and vent systems. Instead, she had been in the playroom, sitting at the table. She had been mindlessly drawing, contemplating many things. She was about to draw another picture of her with friends - human friends. It was one of the things Six grew to understand was what she wanted. One of the many hidden needs of hers. A happy home... friends... kindness... and...

Instead of a smile, the girl just stared at a blank paper lethargically. Unable to start the picture, her hand with the crayon lowered. Her eyes started to dull. What's the point? No one likes me. I'm not needed. Not wanted or...

So why does she even try? Why even bother? Why delude herself into thinking she could have any friends? Why does she keep coming back to the idea when it was all meaningless? Such comforting lies hurt way more than an ugly truth... even if she wanted to fool herself into believing such lies. Her eyes were becoming blurry as tears fall onto her drawing. Stupid tears. Putting the crayon down, Six rubbed her eyes harshly but more of the stupid tears continued to fall anyway. Why couldn't she stop crying? Why? Why?! Why...! Why was she terrible at making friends? Why does she keep pulling and pushing others away? Everyone became fed up with her, probably saw her as a burden.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, the girl started to draw a new picture, a new image in her mind. It was of herself, alone, exuded with happy kids in the background. Finished with her drawing, the girl abruptly got up, planning to go back to the upper floors. Feeling too mentally exhausted to go explore the rest of the mansion's bottom levels, she didn't bother taking her new drawing with her, leaving it behind on the table as she ducted into the vent.

Once she returned to her secret base, Six walked over to the walls with the hanging drawings. Placing her hands against the wall, next to the side of the paper, she listlessly stared at the drawing she drew a few months previously. A picture that was drastically different from the one she drew just hours ago. A happy her. Circled with wonderful friends. A warm environment. All just delusions.

She was alone. Not a single human companion. This mansion contains dangerous residents and disappearing children. That was the truth. No friends. No happy home. Nothing.

Sinking to her knees, hands slid on the concrete walls, her back slumped over as her head drooped in defeat. The presence weighing on her grew as she was slowly losing heart. After taking a few minutes to gather her thoughts and accept the reality of her situation, Six got back up to her feet. Tearing the drawing off the wall, her tiny hands crumpled the paper into a ball.

It's that time then, Six thought to herself as her eyelids grew heavy. I couldn't find what I was looking for here, so...

She should leave. It wasn't like anyone at the Nest would miss her anyway. Maybe she should leave tomorrow. Letting out a tired sigh, her hands fell to the side, still holding the paper ball. Lifting her head, she could see the drawing the Nomes had made for her. Blinking at the picture as the memory played, a sad smile returned to her face.

The day she woke up - when she discovered she had her voice, she alerted the Nomes. They were just as confused as her, not understanding why suddenly now, she could speak. It was a mystery, but they decided not to think too hard about it, wanting to celebrate. The littlest Nome had left her base and almost for the entire day, it didn't return. At different times, the others would exit her base, eventually returning. But not the littlest one.

It had Six worried. Where was her little friend? Did they not want to celebrate? Close to nighttime, when the other Nomes were ready to leave, the littlest one returned. When it was close to her, it stopped its running, shyly approaching her. The girl had noticed the paper behind its back as it took small steps towards her. The others tilted their cone-shaped heads, taking a peek at the paper. From their reaction - jumping excitedly with playful hand gestures - Six knew that the paper had something special.

Now in front of her, the littlest Nome presented the drawing to her.

With that lovely memory, Six couldn't help a tearful breath escaping her mouth.

If she left, her Nome friends might feel sad. They might even search for her if she didn't say anything and just disappeared. However, she couldn't really bring herself to tell them that she was going to leave. After all, they had always been with her whenever they can. Should she...? Should she stay for one more day? Despite her heart wanting to say 'yes', her mind told her 'no'. If she stayed, she could give her Nome friends one last day - a day where they could be at their happiest. It was the ideal plan. They would leave with their best memory fresh in their minds. However, Six was aware. If she stayed tomorrow, it would be hard for her to leave. She would feel... almost obliged to stay. And that was something she couldn't do. She might just... break down then and there. As painful as the thought of leaving was, it was the best chance she got. So... she'll be leaving. She'll wake up early and leave quietly.

Loneliness surrounded her heart as those somber thoughts hurt. Alone. By herself. Back to the beginning. The sound of rain pitter-patter nearby.

Looking at the paper ball in her hand, she unwrapped it, trying to smooth out the creases on the floor as she gazed at the picture she drew once more.

From the crumpled picture in her hands, Six's eyes turned to the candle. Approaching the warm flame, she let the tip of the paper catch on fire. Slowly, she watched as the fire ate the paper hungrily, reducing it into a small, black mess. With the drawing burned, the girl fell onto her soft bed. Despite the Nest having some good things like food, warmth, and water, the environment wasn't good for her. Here, she didn't feel like she belonged. Instead of a home, it felt more like a prison.

Tomorrow, was the day. She'll leave. She'll escape, searching for what she needs someplace else. It should be easy even if she hadn't explored the lower levels of the mansion. Closing her eyes, Six listened as raindrops poured harder from the outside. She could tell there was a storm brewing. Listening to the rhythmic sound of the rain felt soothing. It almost sounded like a lullaby and music was the only thing that could soothe her worries.