This Girl Followed a Puppy Into an Alley—Then Disappeared From Maps
Into the Room of Names
Beyond the gate was a room of stone and mirrors. Names were etched on every surface, some in chalk, some carved deep. Lila stepped inside and found her own, scratched faintly into a column near the middle. Beside it was Jonah’s sister’s name, and below it was one that hadn’t appeared yet.
It was forming now, letter by letter, waiting for the next guest. Lila didn’t touch it. She only watched. Then she turned and looked at her reflection. This one smiled gently. “You can leave. But something must stay,” it whispered. And you already know what.” The puppy stepped beside her. She knelt, hugged it once, and let go.
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