I wasn't sure what to do. If I followed Garry, I'd just end up getting more upset. If I tried to escape, I'd probably never make it. Even though it seemed like the most illogical way, I decided to do both. I'd find Garry then try to find a way out. If I did, then I could exit with Garry when the time came. Exiting the bunny room, I listened out for the sound of footsteps. It was strange walking around the gallery without someone behind you. I hadn't been alone in so long. I didn't like being alone.
Leaving the violet room, I realised how much trouble I was in. A headless statue was blocking my way forward and the only person who could move those were Garry. In his current state, it was unlikely he would. Maybe Mary would be waiting for me there? It wouldn't help me much though. I'd be trapped.
Don't think like that! I told myself as I walked up the staircase. I will make it out with Mary and Garry. Nothing bad will happen.
Suddenly, I heard voices echoing from inside.
"That's so interesting." Someone announced cheerily. "Tell me more!"
Garry!
Pushing open the brown room's door, I rushed inside and tried to track the voice.
"Why would she do that? She's such a bad girl."
It was coming from the room to my right.
"That is a brilliant painting. She'll never be naughty again."
As quick as a fox, I ran to the room and entered. Inside was just like how it was before. A rainbow stretched across an open space with a pedestal on the other side. The easel still had a floating paintbrush near it but instead this time it was moving. Garry was slumped beside the easel, smiling.
"She'll never be naughty. She'll never leave." He started laughing like a maniac. "She'll never do anything."
As my eyes set upon what the paintbrush was painting, my feelings changed from confusion to horror. It was a poster for the art gallery like the one at the entrance. However, there wasn't a fish there this time. It was Mary. She wasn't happy like her normal self. She was laying down on the floor, as if she was sleeping. To top it off, the writing was slashed in a red liquid. However, I was most disturbed by what was in the corner of the canvas.
Your next, Ib.
"I'm next?!" I cried. "W-What do you mean?"
"Time to teach her a lesson," Garry said with grin. "Bye bye Mary."
Before I knew it, I was running out the room and towards the exit I had seen. I had already lost Garry. I couldn't lose Mary. Entering the room with that was once blocked with gas, I noticed the headless statue had moved. I should be surprised by this,I thought to myself. But this gallery has made me believe anything is possible. Rushing down the staircase, I thought about where I was going. I'd never been here before and there was no telling what was down here. I wished I wasn't alone.
At the bottom of the stairs was an exact replica of the original gallery except in black. The exit must be close, I thought to myself. Mary must be close. Hopes high, I dashed to the upper floor of the gallery and to painting that had brought me into this place, ? World. I had to get there before the invisible man who was talking to Garry. Whatever his plans were, I doubt they would end well for Mary.
When I saw the painting, I noticed immediately it was different. Instead of a crayon world, the original gallery was shown. If I could somehow enter this picture, I could be taken back to the real world. I had to save Mary and Garry first though. Perhaps the title would give me some hint how I could get out when the time came?
? World
Once you go in, there's no going back
All your time here will-
My reading was cut off by a bright flash followed by darkness. What's going on? I thought frantically. I can't see anything. This wasn't an ordinary darkness where you could make out vague shapes. I literally couldn't see a thing. Blind and scared, I walked backwards until I found a wall and slumped down beside it. Then I got to thinking. Mary should have been down here already as she made it clear she was going to escape without us. Had she already gotten out? Did she jump through the painting? I could only hope she was safe and the paintbrush was just painting lies.
"...Father...!" The cry of a young girl echoed through the gallery. It was a mix of surprise, despair and horror. Sudden realisation of who the voice came from hit me like a hammer. It was Mary. She was the owner of the voice. She was the one who sounded like she was in the depths of sadness. She was the one who needed help. Just as I finished that thought, the lights flashed on.
It took a while for my eyes to adjust to the brightness. I'd been in the dark for at least a few minutes so being able to see was a strange thought. Sight also revealed to me things I wished was left unseen. In front of me was the painting I had looked at before. Unlike before, Mary was shown. I wished she was there waving at me and smiling. Instead, she was pictured like she was on the easel, lying on the floor, in a deep sleep. The other inhabitants were staring at her, eyes drawn over in black crayon and an unsettling grin spread across their faces. That wasn't all. Believing I was seeing things wrong, I approached the painting.I kept re-reading the title, shivering.
Y O U ' T, I B
"No," I whispered to myself as the first few tears fell down my cheeks. "No, no, no." I fell to my knees. "I was too late. I was too late and now Mary's gone. I'm so sorry Mary. I'm so sorry." The invisible man had beat me here and not only had I lost some of hope I had, I lost the only somewhat sane person it this world. My friend. Why wasn't I quicker? Why was life so cruel?
Rubbing my eyes, I surveyed my surroundings. This place seemed like a good place to stay. One of the pieces of art, reserved seat, looked like a good place to rest and all the artwork seemed interesting. I decided that I should stay here a little while. I just needed to stay clear of the painting in front of me. Picking myself up, I started walking towards the white sofa. It looked rather comfortable despite being an art display. As I laid down on it, I hoped nothing would disturb my sleep. I didn't want a nightmare like before. Before I met Mary...
