I grunted as the officer shoved me down to my knees. I could feel how cold the tile was through the denim of my jeans. I couldn’t imagine sleeping on it, despite all the places I’ve been to. I shivered, imagining my blood being frozen solid by morning.

“Be good.” The darkly-uniformed officer hissed in my ear. He didn’t even have to say a threat, I knew what would become of me if I tried anything.

But to be fair, any of those ways would be a cool way to die.

That’s the logic I decided to stick with as the guard unlocked my handcuffs and slammed the barred doors closed, leaving me alone in the cold room.

“Fresh meat!” A gleeful voice said from the far end of the room.

I felt a sinking feeling in my gut as I stared up at the man. His hair reminded me of dryer lint the way it was matted and hanging in one sheet off of his head. His face was dirty and his eyes had a sparkling, insane look behind the bright green color.

“I need to get out of here.” I whispered.

The man tilted his head, “that’s not nice.”

“Well, I-“

“Say you’re sorry.”

“I’m… sorry?”

“You don’t mean it!” He sobbed. My eyes widened as tears started streaming down his cheeks.

“No, I do! I do! I do mean it!” I studdered. His head perked up and the tears seemed to magically disappear.

“Yay!”

“Yay…” I repeated. “You know sir?”

“What?”

“I don’t mean any offense to you in any way, but I really do need to get out of here.”

“Why?” He asked.

I bit my lip.

“I… have to walk my pet fish. Do you like fish?”

“Fishy!” Is all he responded with. I nodded.

“Yes! His name is…” I searched the room, “Tile!”

“Tile! Tile the fishy! Tile the fishy needs walky!” He demanded. I nodded.

“He does. Can you help me get out and walk him?”

The man nodded and stood from the ledge he was sitting on. He pointed upwards.

I stepped forwards and pressed up on the roof daintily. It lifted like it was made of tissue paper.

“Thank you!” I breathed.

“Say hi to Tile for me!” The man said with a smile. I grinned back and descend into the vents.

That was easier than I thought it would be.

_Thump_.