Lot's Wife Edition 2 2016

FICTION
Impossible diplomacy
by Justin Jones Li
I
’ve almost certainly been sent to die. We’ve already sent
in tens of ambassadors, envoys, emissaries and diplomats.
They never come back. And if I recall, there was always
something not quite right about them. Wasn’t Jimmy
accused of embezzlement that one time?
Oh whatever. We’re past the gates to the city. There’s
the embassy! It’s so good to finally see someone not wearing
one of those creepy masks. The guards smile as we make it
through. Is there something behind those smiles? Do they
know what happens to our fine citizens?
The carriage stops at the front door. I get out with the
two local escorts who were keeping watch on me. They’ve
still got those white discs covering their faces, with those
pitch black slits for eyes and a thin smile painted on.
One of my escorts knocks on the door. It opens.
Another masked figure appears. We walk in.
The locals lead me through the building. The walls are
painted pink and decorated with little claw marks. I notice
the smell of mint in the air. I think it might be soothing me.
They lead me to a door with a smiley face painted on
in black. Just like on their masks. It’s starting to take effort
to breathe.
The door opens on its own, and the locals usher me
through. It leads to a corridor with open doors on either
side. The locals gesture towards each one as we walk past. I
think they’re letting me take a peek.
I see skeletons on the floor. The ground feels like it’s
being taken from under me. The locals hold me up, and they
basically drag me along. My legs shake as they slide across
the floor.
More skeletons. What will befall me? What do these
people want with us?
I see an emaciated man lying on his belly. Life returns
to my feet. I shrug off the locals and run back to the room.
It’s Jimmy! Thin and exhausted, but unmistakably it is
him. But why is he in this room?
I take a closer look. Right in front of Jimmy is a white
cat. He seems to be lifting his hand, trying to… pet this cat.
I have to get out of here. I turn around to fight off
my captors. Their mask and clothes fell apart, and two cats
emerged from each set. They all meow at me.
So cute! Why would I want to leave? Oh, I just want
to pat them all! Hey, where are they going? Come here,
kitty-kitty!
58 | Lot’s Wife