Unexpected Encounters

CHARLOTTE

When I opened my eyes, the car had slowed to a halt in front of a black gate, and the driver was speaking to a guard who held a large notepad. I sat up and watched as the guard shook his head and peered into the vehicle. I blinked in confusion and caught a flash of recognition in his eyes when he looked at me. He stepped back and sighed, returning to the security post to speak with his companion, who pressed a button, opening the gates.

I tried to see his face as we drove past the post, but he had already moved inside, making it impossible to get a clear look. I replayed the moment of recognition in my mind, searching for a reason why he’d react like that, but nothing came to me. I shook the thought away and turned my attention to the environment as we passed trees and shrubs. Slowly, we made our way toward a building in the middle of a clearing, the pastel blue walls contrasting against the bright green landscape that surrounded us.

The car slowed to a stop in front of the