Sirens. I ignored the sound of it, even though it came closer quickly. Where I grew up, I heard sirens all the time, and I had never been in danger. However, when they stopped right in front of the hotel, it sparked my attention. Kasper had called me brainwashed, not once, but twice. Rik had believed it. But would they have... 

I banged on the bathroom door, only one time, but loudly. "Did you guys call the police on Master?" I asked.
"I did," said Rik. "I know you don't like it, but it's necessary."
"And... Are they coming to take me away?"
"I didn't ask for that," sounded Kasper now. "But I guess they just concluded they should. Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you."
"I asked for it." Rik said. "But nobody will hurt my girl, no matter what state of mind she's in!"
"Rik!" Kasper said. "Why?!"
"Be-cause it's necessary?"
"We shouldn't make the situation even more complicated than it is."

While Kasper kept ranting, I hooked my thumbs behind my collar and stretched it a bit. I longed for Master's voice telling me everything was okay. It looked like the tides had turned. Everyone was against Master. But they would not get us that easily. 

I heard a lot of protest and footsteps. Apparently Kasper was sending those people away. I was glad about that. After a while, the door closed and the noise faded away. I wouldn't be long before they'd try to get me out of here. The moment was now.

"They're gone, Es," Rik said. "I'm opening the door."
But I locked it. That was the advantage of being in the bathroom.
"If you treat me like I'm crazy, I will act like I'm crazy!" I shouted. "See that you get me!"
"Esther, open the door or I will open it myself!" Rik said.
"The door is locked, so I'm curious how you're planning to do that!" I replied, and demonstratively sat back down on the edge of the bathtub.
"I will screw the door out," Rik said, and I heard footsteps.
"No, don't!" Kasper said. "We shouldn't force open the door. Who knows what memories that triggers!"
"What do you suggest we do, then?" Rik asked.
"Just wait here," Kasper said, "I'll be right back."

"Behold my phone," Kasper said a few moments later. "If I remember correctly, they played Ayreon at your wedding?"
I heard music. I heard "the Charm of the Seer".
"Ah, now I get it," Rik said. "Do you remember, Es?"
Oh, I remembered. As if it was yesterday. 

I've been lost in the valley of nightmares
I've been found in the garden of dreams
Speak thy charm, I know you are out there
Cast thy spell in the silence that screams
As I poise on the edge of life
Where time disappears
I bow in fear to the charm of the seer