Escaping into the alley outside.

(chapter originally by Misayaka on writing.com)

It was a miracle. For once, Chihiro's 'waif-like' figure had done her some good. She had slipped through the window and climbed out with ease.

As another blessing, not a soul was around the alley. Except... it was also dimmer than she'd thought. The warm lighting had come from the mall several feet away... which held a clothing store, and who-knew-how-many shoppers. Then she saw it, on the other side of the alley.

Where there should have been a solid, unyielding wall, there was a glowing blue door. What on earth was it? Where did it lead?

Chihiro had no clue, but... it seemed inviting. It seemed safe.

She had to decide whether to take her chances and hope to find something to wear at the mall, and pray no one saw her... or take her chances with the mystery door. With a deep breath, adjusting her arms to cover what she could, Chihiro boldly went forward and into-...