The bell rang

(Chapter originally by Phantom Pen on writing.com)

The shrill ring of the bell might as well have been a **** knell, so far as Chihiro was concerned. Her search had failed. She was still stark naked, half-blind, and standing out in the open. Any second now, students would start to show up, and her reputation would be ruined! Chihiro felt herself begin to shake, fear paralyzing her muscles as she envisioned her nightmare made real.

She couldn't let that happen! Even if it was futile, she had to try something! She had to run, to hide! She had to get out of sight!

Without even wasting time to weigh her options, Chihiro simply let her fight-or-flight instinct take over, letting her feet carry her where they may. As it turned out, Chihiro's mind made the split decision to run-