The new room really was completely barren. The walls, ceiling, and floor were a spotless white, and rather eerie to look at. In the center of the room sat a small boy, who was bent over and deeply engrossed in what looked to be a chess board. Occasionally, he picked up a piece and moved it to another location on the board.
As Lina began to walk over, he looked up suddenly. Lina was startled to see that, unlike the others, he didn't have a fogged-up face. This was because his face was hidden beneath a glossy porcelain mask, molded to resemble an exaggerated human face in a smile.
he greeted, making no motion to get up.
Why- why are you wearing a mask? Lina asked, recovering from her slight shock. He tilted his head.
What mask? he asked.
Lina sighed. This did not bode well. The mask you're wearing, she replied. On your face.
But I'm not wearing a mask, he persisted cheerfully.
Lina narrowed her eyes, as she realized that there was something very familiar about this kid; something that, like for everyone else, just managed to stay out of her reach- dancing on the edge of her consciousness, taunting her.
Look, kid, who are you? she asked. Do I know you from somewhere?
Why do you want to know? the boy asked curiously.
Lina twitched with frustration. I just do, she replied.
But why?
You're trying to annoy me on purpose, aren't you? she asked in irritation.
Who, me? the boy asked innocently.
She sighed again. This wasn't going to get her anywhere.
she began. What exactly are you doing in here? She looked to the floor. Playing chess?
I could be, he replied vaguely.
I know you are, she continued. You don't have to be so secretive about it. But how can you play chess all by yourself? she asked curiously.
Why do you want to know? he asked happily, repeating his earlier statement.
Irritated, Lina walked over to him. Could you actually answer any of the questions I ask you?! she snapped in annoyance.
he replied cheerfully.
Lina angrily bent down to stare at him in the face. Kid, you're really getting on my nerves, she growled. If you're not going to answer my questions, could you at least take that mask off so I can see your face?!
Standing up, the boy stepped back a little.
I'm not wearing a mask! he replied with a laugh. Lina stepped up to him, and in response he began walking away.
Just take the thing off! she persisted, as she sped up her walk to catch up with the evasive child.
But how can I take it off if there's no mask there? he asked, ducking to avoid Lina's attempt at grabbing him.
Stop it! she exclaimed as she began running, as the child did as well.
Stop what?
I need to see your face so I can know who you are!
But you are seeing my face, he replied smugly.
You're not fooling anyone, kid! Anyone with half a brain could see that you're wearing a mask!
The boy stopped suddenly to turn back to her. No, they cou- He was suddenly thrown off balance as Lina grabbed him. Grabbing his mask, she pulled at it, and it came easily off his face. Turning eagerly to look at what lay underneath, Lina's eyes widened in surprise.
Underneath was a mask of a monster, with glittering black eyes and a terrifying expression.
Not even giving Lina a chance to react, the boy suddenly opened the door that lay behind him on the wall and pushed against Lina, throwing her off balance and through the door before she could so much as blink. The last she could see of the room was him bending down, calmly placing the smiling mask back on his face.