You hadn’t even been in Oz for a day, and you had already been captured by the Wicked Witch of the West.

You had been walking along the yellow brick road with your newfound friends, Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion, or Lion for short, when out of nowhere, you were snatched up by a group of winged monkeys. Upon hearing your screams and protests as you were carried away, the three attempted to chase after you, but you were too far gone.

So now you sat curled up in the corner of a small room, hugging your knees to your chest. Your teary eyes never strayed from the hourglass sitting before you, the final few grains of sand tricking down.

“You have until the hourglass is full to be alive, girl.” The Witch had warned you before leaving you to be locked alone in here, sobbing as you watched the glass fill, knowing the Wicked Witch will return any minute to kill you herself.

“Dorothy?!” The call of your name snapped you out of your spiralling thoughts. Expecting the raspy, snarling voice of the Witch, you were caught off guard by the familiar voice speaking from outside the door, Scarecrow’s voice filled with concern as he called for you.

Realising they were here to save you, you scrambled to sit upright, relief flooding your expression. “Yes! Yes, I’m in here!”

Hearing your voice respond from inside, Tinman, Lion and Scarecrow instantly relaxed, relieved at having finally found you.

Upon hearing your voice, Toto pawed anxiously at the heavy wooden door, whining as his tail wagged rapidly. Lion stood back slightly, anxiously fidgeting with his tail as he observed the surrounding area with worried eyes. Tinman stepped forward, striking the locked door with his axe.

Nothing.

Confused by this, Tinman took a few more swings, each one more heavy than the last, growing desperate upon seeing no progress.

“Hm. If you buy me some time, I might be able to pick the lock.” Scarecrow mumbled, gently nudging Tinman away from the door as he pulled out a single stray of hay from his stuffed torso, fiddling with the lock. Tinman stared down at his axe, both in confusion and frustration as Lion moved to stand beside him, growing more jumpy at each sound.