Ginger Fox

The rain started gently, eventually turning into a storm. The changing weather brought strong winds and high waves crashing onto the beach. I watch the large raindrops sliding down the library window. My attention returns to Jon, sitting in the corner, reading *The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe*.
“Have you ever wondered if it was possible?” Jon whispers, lifting his eyes to me.
“What?” I step away from the window, walking toward him.
“To escape, to go somewhere else just by using your wardrobe, like Lucy did.” He falls silent, clutching the book tightly.
“If you asked my mom, she’d say I can’t even find anything in my closet because it’s such a mess, let alone an entrance to Narnia.” I stretch out my fingers, ruffling his hair, which makes him laugh.
I had already read that story. The siblings had to leave home because of the air raids terrorizing London, moving far from the city to an old professor's house—a place filled with mystery. Like any group of kids, they were incredibly curious. Although they had books, a radio, and a playroom, what they really wanted was to explore the vast house and uncover its secrets. During one of their explorations, they found themselves in a room with an old wardrobe that didn’t catch anyone’s attention except for little Lucy. Driven by her curiosity and courage, Lucy ventured into the wardrobe and discovered that it held much more than just coats—she found Narnia and fell in love with it instantly. I understand what Jon desires. Just like Lucy, he wants to escape to another world, live a different story. I wish I could make that happen for him, to help Jon open up and see what I see when I look at him. I approach Jon, gently taking the book from him.
“You know something I’ve learned, Jon?” I smile, holding the book up. “Books are the best portals that exist. Each one of them can take us anywhere we want to go, we just need to use our imagination.”
He ponders my words, a small smile forming on his lips as he shakes his head.
“No? You don’t believe your imagination can take you to beautiful places with a book in hand?” I press the book to my chest, pretending to cry dramatically. “Why do you spend so much time reading then?”
“But they’re just books, Gim.” I cover the book with my hands as if shielding a child’s ears, making a face of mock indignation.
“God, don’t be sad; this mere human didn’t mean it,” Jon laughs, looking at me like I’m crazy.
“Stand up, you literary infidel. And close your eyes.” I extend my hand to him, pulling him off the couch, covering his face with my fingers, and dragging Jon through the library.
He does as I say, clasping his fingers at his sides while laughing with me. I sigh softly, positioning him in the center, where he can see all the books.
“Now, open your eyes.”
He opens his eyes, turning his head, looking at each shelf and book arranged in the large room.
“All the books you see on these shelves, new, old, or used, are Narnia.” I look at him tenderly, brushing his straight hair back with my fingers. “They’re all magical places, just waiting for you to embark on an adventure with them. And this…”
I open my arms, smiling, spinning around and pointing at every wall.
“This place, your library, will be your most loyal and wonderful wardrobe.” I stop spinning, facing him. “In here, you can be whoever you want.”
“Can I be Peter?” he asks quietly, glancing at the book in my hand.
I smile, handing him the book, nodding affirmatively.
“Yes. Why not? You’ll be the great King Peter, the Magnificent.” He beams, puffing out his chest like a real king, placing his hands on his hips.
“You can be Susan.” I scrunch my nose, refusing to be the skeptic.
“I think Lucy suits me better; her boundless curiosity is just like mine.”
“Yes! You’ll be Lucy.” He raises his voice, playing along. “Queen Lucy, the Brave.” He sets the book down on the table, letting his imagination soar.
“We have our wardrobe. Now, who will be our Lion?” He scratches his head, lost in thought. “Aunt Baby,” he says quickly, nodding in agreement. “Aunt Baby will be our Lion.”
“Yes. She’ll be a strong Lion, one who loves and protects you.” Jon agrees, his fingers twitching with excitement. “We’ve got King Peter and curious Lucy.”
“And the wardrobe and the Lion. We have Narnia.” He smiles, pointing at the books.
“Now we just need our Witch,” I say excitedly, thinking of Aunt Charlote as a clever witch who knows everything that happens in the magical kingdom.
“She has to be evil.” I look at Jon, noticing that he’s no longer smiling. “Someone who doesn’t like kids and doesn’t know how to smile, someone who brings pain...” His fingers grip the side of his shirt, his shoulders hunching. “She prefers the dark because no one can see in the dark. There’s nothing in the dark, just pain.”
I understand now. Jon is seeing the Witch as the person who hurts him, describing her behavior. His breathing slows, his gaze falls as if searching for something that isn’t there. I walk over to him, holding his thin, sweaty fingers in my hand, feeling his fear.

"Jon, who is our Witch?" I ask, sensing that Jon has left a small crack open during our game. I'll have to use it to reach the person causing him pain. "Jon, tell me. Who will be the Witch?"
He lifts his face toward me, tilting his head to rest on his shoulder.
Just give me a name, Jon, my brain screams alongside my heart. I just need a name.
"Miss Fox." Lira's voice interrupts, and Jon shuts down completely. The small crack he had left open is sealed tight.
I bite my lip in frustration, breathing rapidly. I release Jon's fingers and turn to the unfortunate woman who arrived at the worst possible moment.
"Yes, Lira?"
"Madame Charlote sent me to inform you that, with the storm, there's a risk of a power outage. It would be safer if you stayed in your rooms in case that happens." I glance at the window, seeing the storm raging outside. The lightning bolts cutting through the sky grow more frequent, flashing against the gray clouds.
"We're heading there, Lira. Thank you for letting us know." I force a smile, with Jon shrinking back by my side.
Jon walks slowly past her, and I follow his lead. When we reach the bedroom corridor, Jon opens his door and steps inside. I watch him sit on the bed, pulling out his headphones as I close his door and lock it. When I turn around, he’s lying on his side, facing the wall with his headphones on. Jon doesn't want to play anymore. He's blocked the bridge we had been building between us. I rub my face in frustration, feeling disheartened at being so close yet missing the chance to get Jon to open up again. Feeling powerless, I head to my room, crossing the connecting door between the two rooms.
What catches my attention is a gift box on my bed. It wasn’t there when I left—I would have remembered seeing something so long on the mattress. I had left the room locked, and I still have the key in my pocket; I had entered through Jon's room. I walk over, stop near the box, and gently pull at the ribbon until it comes undone. My fingers lift the lid, revealing a silk dress inside. I take it out, spreading it across the bed. It's a beautiful design, though it must have gone out of style years ago. The blood-red color highlights the black buttons running down the front. Could it be from Baby? But since when does Baby wear 80s fashion?
I turn my attention back to the box, finding a pair of black ¾ sheer stockings and a pearl necklace inside. At the bottom, between them, there’s a black envelope made from the same material as the golden invitation. A chill runs down my spine, knowing that this gift, and certainly the dress, are not from Baby. With my breath quickening and my heart racing, I pull out the envelope, opening it in one swift motion to end the curiosity consuming me.

"Little Nautilus,
East wing, final corridor, white door, at precisely 11:45 PM. The room will be unlocked; just enter and turn on the lamp on the nightstand. Slowly undress until only the sheer stockings and necklace remain on your body. When the door opens, you may enter. J. R."
I clutch the note in my fingers, staring at the dress. The game has begun.