I open my eyes, full of intent. I'm going to 'March Hare's house' by myself. Instead, I will make my way to Tugley Wood. A scene from long ago plays in my head: "The Jabberwalk has Trea in custody! How can I tell which one is which?!"
"Your greatest weakness is also your greatest strength. You will know." Old Man Time is right. I do know. I will play it safe, though, until I can confirm my suspicions. I get out of bed. The one that was Trea's. Walking to the door, I notice a hat in the hat-and-fabric strewn room. It- how-? It is... the... same as... the one I left behind... How is that possible? I take in a deep breath and pick up the hat, my hope renewed. Did he see the same thing I did? No matter, I put it on and leave the room.
"Good morning, Lyssie," 'Trea' says. I cringe inwardly.
"Morning," I say, trying not to clip my words. "March Hare was expecting my company."
"Might I accompany you?"
"Sorry, but you know as well as I that he did not invite you. It would be rude for us to impose upon him more geusts than he was expecting."
"When do you suspect that you will be back?"
"Oh, I haven't the slightest clue. You know he is great company. It depends on when he will let me leave. Well, I will see you later. G'bye!" I rush out the door. I don't want to hang around one moment longer than I must.
With the house safely out of sight, I start making my way to the Borogroves. No sense in heading to the Mind Maze if I don't have to. No one is following me needlessly. They all think that I am going to March Hare's. Well, I walk. One foot in front of the other. Moving forward is all I can do at this point. Clouds roll in. And they darken. Hair in the back of my neck rises up, chills running down my back. I nearly shout at it, but I feel the hat on my head still. I clamp my mouth shut. I do not need to draw the evil wind's attention. I keep on walking steadfastly forward. Trying to keep my mind focused and occupied, I recite the poem again and again. Trea had better be alive. And the impersonator there had better NOT be Trea. I keep walking hard.
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