A New Life: The Facility

The sound of knocking on the door wakes me up. I sit up in bed as I hear the beep of the electric lock twist, and the door swings open.

“Helloooooo! Good morning!” Says the voice coming from the door. Rubbing my eyes, I notice it’s the woman who came to my door the previous day to take me to their “Doctor”.

“Mornin’…” I say, slowly clambering out of bed, and walking to the sink.

Looking in the mirror, it’s still me. Same as I was yesterday, looking at my reflection, I can’t help but feel a wave of disappointment.

“Someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” The woman asks me, her grin sincere, yet somehow irritating.

“I suppose.” I respond, still half awake. I turn on the sink and try to run some water through my hair to fix whatever cowlicks remain. The woman hands me a toothbrush and some toothpaste, and a Ziploc bag.

“Here, once you’re done, please put them in the bag, and give them back to me, after that, we can take you to the cafeteria, they’re serving breakfast.” The woman says, still retaining her cheery disposition.

“Alright.” I groan, taking the toothbrush from her. Brushing is also surprisingly difficult, but I manage to get used to changing up the way I do regular things. Once I’m done, I put the toothpaste and brush back in the bag and hand it to the woman. When I go to give it to her, I notice she has some hair ties on her wrist.

“Hey,” I say. “Are those hair ties?”

“Yes, they are, I keep them on my wrist, so I don’t lose them.” The woman replies.

“…You mind if I have one?” I ask.

The woman pauses. Looks at me up and down. Like she’s talking to an addict asking for another hit.

“I just want to tie my hair back.” I say.

“Oh, well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.” The woman responds, handing me a black hair tie.

“Thank you.” I say, turning back to the mirror and tying my unkempt hair into a slightly kempt ponytail. Though, my bangs still get in my face.

I walk out into the hallway with the woman, and she guides me down the hall to the cafeteria. She opens the door for me as I walk in.

“Have a good morning!” The woman says as the door shuts behind me. I’m still groggy from being woken up, and the sunlight coming through the glass makes everything feels extra bright. Like the sun is constantly in my eyes. Walking into the line, I make my way through to where they’re handing out food. I see a tin filled to the brim with actual pancakes. Wow, I can’t remember the last time I had real pancakes, they look decent, and they’re all not perfectly round compared to something you’d find at a fast food restaurant.

Looking behind the glass pane and into the kitchen area, I see something that I didn’t think I would have seen before. There’s a guy cooking the pancakes, but next to him, is a changed. A deer. They’re working together to make more pancakes, both of them, laughing, and working the stove. It’s not something I’d expect to see here, but the thought of everyone getting along is a comforting one.

I move farther down the line, picking a couple of decent sized pancakes, and one of those little syrup cups you’d get at school. Grabbing an apple from the fruit tray, I turn around to the tables. Scanning the room, I faintly notice a shape in the back that’s waving at me. It’s James.

I shuffle my way over to the table he’s sitting at, and sit down across from him.

“Hey Lyla, you sleep okay?” He asks.

“Yeah, I suppose. I slept, but I woke up kinda awkward. I’m still super tired.” I reply, working my way into the food.

“I remember having to get used to the beds here, but you’ll get used to it soon enough.” James says.

“Here’s to hoping.” I say.

We both sit in silence, waking up and chowing down on the food. Its good, but I don’t know if its cause I’m tired, or I haven’t ate since yesterday. Regardless, next thing I know, I’m back in the hallway with James.

“So, what’s on the docket for today?” He asks.

“I’m not sure.” I reply, finally becoming fully lucid. “What’re you planning on doing?”

“Don’t know yet, I think I might go to the art room and doodle or something, I’m feeling creative today.” James says, grinning.

“Gotcha, well, I might wander around, see if something catches my eye.” I reply.

“Alrighty! If you need me I’ll be in the art room!” James beams, walking down the hallway.

Now, all alone again, I decide to walk down the hall to see if I can find something to do. While I’m walking down the hallway, I manage to pass Carter. Who stops in his tracks and approaches me.

“Hey Lyla! Ready to take on the new day?” he asks.

“Sorta, finally just woke up. Now I’m walking around.” I say.

“Sounds like fun! Where you going?” He asks.

“Not sure,” I say. Just looking for something to do.” I respond.

“Gotcha, well, there’s plenty to do. I’m sure James showed you all of it yesterday?” Carter smiles.

“Yeah, he did a good job.” I say with a grin.

“Good to know! Glad he was able to show you the ropes. They’re showing Mystery of Marshall Manor in after lunch! I requested that one. That’d be something to do.” Carter says.

“I’m not really in the mood for a movie,” I say. “But, thanks for the offer.”

“No worries! Hope you find something to do! I gotta grab some pancakes before they run out! They’re letting staff get in line now that you guys are finishing up.” Carter smiles, walking away.

But, before carter can get to far from me, I stop him.

“Hey, Carter.” I call out.

“Yeah? What’s up?” He asks.

“You take a look at my file yet?” I question.

“Not yet, they’re in the office, and I got caught up with some work yesterday, I’ll be sure to take a look and come find you as soon as I do.” Carter says. “But now, I gotta grab some food before its gone.”

Carter’s walk now turns into a racewalk as he hurries down the hall to the cafeteria. Answerless, I continue my stroll down the hallway. Attempting to remember the places that James told me about the first time, I start passing small cliques of changed. It’s strange, now that I’ve been here for a bit longer, there’s something I’ve noticed. Changed of the same sub-species will actually hang out in groups. While I was walking down the hallway, I noticed groups of Deer, Cats, and Dogs, all walking with one another. Funnily enough, I haven’t seen any other possums around here. I’m surprised that there’s a lot of animals that people would find in suburban aeras. Realizing I’ve spent all of my time people watching, I now don’t know where I am. I think I rounded a corner or two? I’m not sure. I should look for a landmark and reorient myself. Looking around the hall where I’m in, I notice a place I have been before, the library. I guess since I have nothing better to do, and now that I know where I am, I could go in and see if there’s something worthwhile in there.

Walking into the library, I find myself browsing the bookshelves. Looking for something to read. There’s a lot of books, but they’re more teen drama novels, and the idea of reliving my high school years of love triangles and supernatural boyfriends is not in the forefront of my mind. I’m looking for something else.

Then, a book catches my eye. The gold embossed spine, and the green hardcover are completely unmistakable. It can’t be….

I walk over to the fantasy section, and grab the thin, yet large book from the short bookshelf. Tales from Across the Troll’s Bridge… no way. My mom used to read this to me all the time when I was a kid. She said she lost it when I got older… I didn’t think I’d ever see this book again!

I have to check and see if this is the same one… It is.

Overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia for children’s fairy tales, I find a beanbag on the floor and take a seat, opening the book on my lap. Looking inside, I start flipping through the pages. These illustrations bring me back. To warmer memories. Picking a random story from the table of contents, I turn to a page and start reading one of the stories from my childhood.

The Damsel in Blue

Once upon a time in a closed off town,

there lived a woman who wore a blue gown.

She was fair and bright, and a wonderful sight,

Although, she never left her house.

Many thought she was a witch,

Perhaps hiding a lich?

Something was seriously wrong.

She never came to the market,

never talked, never bargained,

this mystery made her quite the target.

The truth did arise on a dark and stormy night,

Someone decided to pay her a visit.

They knocked on the door and heard a mighty roar,

They knew there was someone else in it!

So the peasants rallied and cried

“There’s a monster inside!”

And torches and pitchforks they grabbed!

The townsfolk raced to the house,

“Hit the door, knock it down!”

With a crash, the door was smashed.

Yet what they saw that night was a terrible sight,

The woman they knew, what a horrible fright!

No, dame no witch, not hiding a lich!

The woman was a dragon! All the townsfolk flinched!

The dragon snarled and sneered,

As the townsfolk feared, would their fate be sewn tonight?

The dragon bellowed and roared as it spoke to the horde,

“Hear me humans! For you’ve discovered my plight!”

“I wanted to be one of you, live happy and free,

Now with curtains drawn you crumble and scream!”

The townsfolk cried, “Wyvern be gone! Or we will slay you here, every one of us!”

They pointed their weapons at their former fair maiden,

The woman they all once adored.

While they all loved her before,

she now faced the sword,

The only way out, was a bargain.

“Hear my plea your outburst is not needed,

For if you kill me, a curse will be seeded.”

The weapons drawn fell to their feet,

The townsfolk listened, for what did she mean?

“If I die it will be something you rue,

as nature takes over every one of you.

“Let me live, and return to my home,

I’ll take the curse with me and leave you alone.”

The townsfolk pondered if it was a bluff,

Would this dragon come back? Would they all become dust?

However, they decided that it would be best,

that they took their chances, as the Dragon got up, and left.

Nothing had happened in the town after that night,

With the dragon gone, the town was set right.

Perhaps one day the Dragon might return,

With a new colored gown, and a lesson, well learned.

Man, that story… brings me back. I remember my mom telling me that the moral of the story was not to keep secrets or something. I think she was just mad at me for lying about stealing a cookie or something that day.

I set the book down, and put it back on the shelf. I wonder what’s next? What will I read myself? Great, now I’m rhyming. Shaking the rhyming structure of the book out of my head, I notice another book nearby. It looks near identical to the one that I just read, however, the green hardcover has been replaced with a white one. Curiously, I pick the book up and take a look at it. Tales from Mount Olympus? Looking at the publisher, its the same as the previous book. It looks like the book is a collection of Greek myths from a while ago, I wonder why we never had this one.

I open the book, and flip to a page, at the end of one of the stories.

“You’ve been kind and treated me well.” Said the Phoenix, to the woman.

“You took me in when I was a man and treated me with compassion. For your honesty, I grant you an everlasting flame. As a reminder that I will protect you whenever you need me.”

The Phoenix then disappeared; the woman smiled. Knowing her kindness granted her a guardian as she did the people of her town.

Bit of a strange story, something about kindness? From the looks of it I think it’s more in line with not judging a book by its cover. Seems apt for a book like this. I can see why my mom only bought the fairytale one though.

Putting the book back on the shelf once more. I wander around the library, looking for something to do. I’m kind of bored, checking the clock, I’ve still got about an hour to kill before lunch. I guess I could go find James and see what’s up.

Leaving the library, I try to remember the day before, where James and I walked to get to the art room. Racking my brain, I eventually find my way back into the art room. Once I open the door again, the same Cat from the previous day appears with the camera.

“Welcome back! Want another picture?” they ask.

“Sure!” I say, flashing the peace sign.

With a click from the camera, the cat hands me another polaroid. This time, I actually look good.

“Thank you.” I smile.

I walk further into the room, and see James, sitting in the back by himself. I walk up to him and take a seat across the table.

“What’re ya drawing?” I ask.

“Oh, just some doodles, nothing too special.” James says, focusing on the picture he’s making.

I look down at the picture, its a house, but not like a drawing of a house, its like… an actual picture of a house, perfect perspective and everything.

“Is that a house?” I say. “It looks really good.”

“You think so?” James replies. “I wanted to be an architect, guess working on buildings runs in the family.” James chuckles. “I’ve been handy at drawing houses and other buildings. Unfortunately, anything else is harder.”

James draws a small man next to the house, it looks decent for the general shape of a man. “That’s about the best I can do.” James laughs.

“Better than me.” I say.

“You sure?” James questions.

“I mean, I’m not much of an artist.” I say.

“Well, have you tried?” James slides me a piece of paper and a pen. “I’m assuming you’re bored anyways.”

“I mean, I guess I could doodle.” I respond, picking up the pen.

I take the pen to the paper, but I stop. What the hell do I even draw? I’m not good at this, I just scribble, not actually make art. Compared to James, he’s kind of out of my league in the artistic sense.

“What do I even draw?” I say.

“Well, what do you feel like drawing?” James questions.

“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you.” I respond, shooting him a playful glare.

“Hmmm…” James ponders for a moment, before responding with an idea.

“Draw a picture of a tree.” James says.

“A tree? Okay.” I take the pen to the paper and draw out my best tree. It’s not bad, I put some actual detail into it. The trunk of the tree isn’t perfect, nor is the leaves, I just kinda detailed a basic tree shape. Its amateur, but it’s mine. I turn the picture around to show to James.

“There you go, a tree.”

“Well, that’s not half bad.” James says. “It’s pretty good for someone who claims they can’t draw.”

“You asked for a tree, not much else.” I respond.

“You want something harder?” James says, cracking a smile.

“Sure, hit me.” I say.

“Alright, draw….” James leans over to the side, looking behind me. “Draw Gus.”

“Who?” I ask.

“Gus, that guy.” He points to the cat with the polaroid camera. “Hey Gus!” James calls out.

The cat’s ears perk up and rotate slightly over to our direction at the mention of his name. Gus then walks over to the table. “What’s up James?” Gus asks.

“I asked Lyla to draw you, sit down and be her model.” James laughs.

“Whoa wait, I’m not that good!” I exclaim!

“Ah it’s no biggie, just do your best!” Gus says, sitting down next to me.

“It’ll be a fun test of your real skills!” James laughs.

Cornered in this, I guess my only way out is to draw. So, I look up at Gus, and put my pen to another piece of paper, first, I draw the general shape of Gus’ head. Then I move onto…. What do I even do next? I glance up at the both of them, James is now stopping his drawing to watch me work, the pressure is on. This is intense. Scanning Gus for any defining features, I start drawing again. I draw his ears, then his eyes, then the rest of his face. The more I draw, the more I can see them watching me. Judging me, I don’t know why I feel like this, but I’m starting to get that feeling again from yesterday morning. I can feel my legs freeze up, and I can’t move my lower half. I keep going. What else does this guy have on? A shirt? What color? I’ve only got the pen, it doesn’t matter. What about the color of his face? The one part of it that’s all black, covering his eye like an eyepatch. I draw that next, now I can’t move my head, my eyes are glued to the page… The stares from James and Gus feel like massive weights on my shoulders. I feel something wet running down my cheek, am I… crying? Why can’t I move anymore. I hear a muffled voice, calling to me. “Lyla, Lyla!” I snap out of it, looking up from the drawing, it’s seemingly done. It’s not good, not as good as the tree. But it’s serviceable. James is waving his hand in front of my face.

“Lyla, you okay?” he asks.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I say, “Just was a little intense with you guys staring at me like that.”

“Sorry.” James says, “I didn’t mean to put the pressure on.”

“Oh no, it’s fine, it’s kinda my fault, I should’ve said something.” I reply.

“You done with the picture?” James asks.

“Yeah, here you go.” I say, wiping my face. Why was I crying? That doesn’t make any sense.

“Oh wow! Look at this!” Gus says, grabbing the picture. “This is wonderful!”

“It’s not that good dude.” I say.

“And? You still took the time to draw me, you could’ve said no.” Gus says, folding the picture up and putting it into his pocket. “I appreciate it, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” I respond.

The sound of the PA turning on emanates through the room, . “Hello! It’s 5 minutes until we’ll start serving lunch, so please make your way to the cafeteria! Thank you!”

I get up from my chair and start making my way out to the hallway once more. James gets up, pockets his drawing, and starts following me. We both walk down the hall to the cafeteria, where a line has formed, with us waiting outside of the cafeteria, there’s not much else for us to do. James speaks up.

“What do you think they’re making today?” he asks.

“Beats me,” I say, it’s like what? My second day here?”

“Fair, they did sandwiches yesterday.” James pauses. “Say, if you could eat anything right now, what would it be?”

I stop and ponder James’ question. “Anything huh?” I say. “Oh I know. There was this one Japanese place nearby my house, they cooked on these massive griddles in the middle of the table. It was like a performance or something. They’d grill up shrimp and put it on a plate with noodles and vegetables. That was good, I would want that.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of some place like that.” James responds, “Sounds neat though. You gonna go there after you get out?”

“Who knows, maybe.” I say. “I haven’t been to that place in a while, and I don’t even know if I have any money.”

“Well, I’m sure they’re accounting for that.” James says. “At least, that’s what Carter told me.”

“Speaking of, I ran into him earlier.” I say.

“Yeah? What’d they say?” James responds.

“Well, they said they were lookin’ into my file. Something about not having the time yesterday.” I claim.

“Maybe we’ll hear more today.” James smiles.

“Hopefully.” I reply.

We both follow the line into the cafeteria, they’re giving out Those flat cardboard pizza things that the school did. I assume that since not a lot of people eat breakfast anymore, but everyone eats lunch they can’t spend a lot of time cooking. I don’t mind the school grade pizza, but now I’m thinking about the question that James asked me. My stomach grumbles at the thought of cooked shrimp on a grill.

We ate lunch in silence, picking away at the pizza, thinking about all the food I’m missing out on. After that, we ended up walking the food off in the hallways for a bit. We both found ourselves in the auditorium and watched that movie that Carter requested. I was hoping that we’d run into him. But even though the film played in its entirety, I didn’t see Carter.

Walking out of the auditorium, James turns to me. “Well, that was pretty good, I liked the part where they put together all the clues and found out that it was the estranged brother who killed the mom.” He says with a grin.

“Yeah, it was okay.” I respond. “I’m not much for mystery flicks, but It was good enough to kill some time.”

“So, what do you want to do now?” James asks.

“I’m not sure.” I respond.

“We could always go outside.” James says.

“We haven’t been outside, have we?” I respond.

“No, we haven’t.” James replies. “There’s always room for fresh air.”

“Sure, that sounds fine.” I say.

We both walk down the hallway back towards where the cafeteria is, in front of us are two metal doors, leading to the rec yard outside.

The doors open, and I’m blinded by the late afternoon light coming in. It’s takes a second, but I eventually get my eyes to adjust enough to the outside. It’s bright, and I can’t see a lot, but I can see enough. How long has it been since I’ve went outside? The warm breeze of late summer hits me, it feels refreshing compares to the inside.

Looking around, I see that we’re in a recess yard. A large chain link fence outlines the aera we’re in. It seems newly installed, with the chain link fence going up a solid 15 feet into the air. Barbed wire lines the top of the fence. “What’s the point of the fence?” I ask James. “It’s to keep us from going off somewhere.” James starts walking to the grassy section just past the basketball court. “Not like any of us can climb it, they’ve electrified it.”

“Electrified it?” I ask. “Why would they need to electrify the fence?”

James turns around facing me now. “They say it’s to keep us safe. I can see where they’re coming from, some people might not be as well off as we are, but still, I don’t think it does much for morale. We’re still people ya know?”

I nod. “I guess, you’re right on the morale thing though, it’s not really doing much to make me comfortable.”

James gestures to the grass ahead of us. “Yeah, but on the bright side, we can stretch our legs for a bit before going back in.” James starts sauntering over the grass. I guess I can see where he’s coming from, but looking at the electrified fence, it doesn’t make me feel like I’m in a rehab.

Walking behind James, I spot people playing on the basketball court, they’re all just like me. But unlike me, they’re still trying to have some fun. Despite everything, people seem to be enjoying themselves. Looking over to the grassy area that we’re heading towards, I notice some other people, deer again. They’re running laps around the perimeter of the fence. Looks like they’re excited to be outside. Can’t tell if it’s because we’re all cooped up inside, or if it’s their “instinct”. James and I make it to the grass, and James sits down.

“Oh yeah…” he says stretching out his legs on the grass. “I needed that. I’ve been standing and sitting most of today, haven’t had an opportunity to really stretch out.”

I sit down next to him. “It’s definitely been a weird day. Sitting outside, feels like I’m back in middle school again.” I lay on my back. “The feeling is nostalgic, keeps you grounded I guess.”

“Nostalgic?” James asks, “Wanna elaborate on that?”

I shrug, “Sure why not.” I rest my head on my hands looking up into the sky. “Everyone hates middle school, but it’s the last time we really had anything resembling recess. I remember when I was younger me and some of my friends would spend our time playing foursquare, or just doing this. The school didn’t have a big rec yard like this. But I do know that there was a hill we spent a lot of time on. Tuning out the rest of the world. Making up stories, Ya know, normal little kid stuff.”

I sigh before continuing. “I wasn’t the most popular kid, even into high school, to be honest I was kind of a punk. I got into trouble, did stupid shit. Never went to jail, just normal Rebellious teenager stuff. But sometimes, I’d go to this field when I was down in the dumps. And I’d sit on the hill, look into the sky, and tune out the outside world, just like this. It’s peaceful.”

“That was a lot deeper than I expected ha!” James chuckles.

I sit up, shooting him a look. “You asked to elaborate on it!”

James waves me away. “I know, I know. I just didn’t think you’d go so deep into it! Hey, I get it though, we’ve all got things that keep us sane.”

“Oh yeah? Well what’s yours?” I ask. James sighs. “My sister, but I won’t bore you with stories of my family right now.” I nod. “Gotcha, I won’t pry.”

Just then, a voice sounds out behind us. “Hey guys, looks like you two are getting along!”. Both James and I turn around, and see Carter Standing above us, grinning.

We both stand up and turn to him. “Oh, hey Carter!” James replies. “What’s up?” Carter turns to me. “So I just got back from the office, I looked into your file Lyla.” Carter says. “Oh?! Well, what’s it say?” I ask, excitedly. Finally, some answers! “I can’t tell you here, something about both of your files is strange… You’re going to have to come with me so we can talk, privately.”

I tilt my head in confusion. “I’m… not in trouble…am I?” I ask.

“No… No. This concerns the both of you.” Carter says, his face turning concerned. “I just noticed somethings up with the files, I don’t know if being outside is the best option to talk about it.” Carter’s stance shifts. His eyes looking past me, his hand rests on a long stick hanging from his belt.

“What is that?” I ask. Glancing down at the metal rod attached to a holster in his belt.

“Something I won’t have to use, if you come along quickly.”

“What? You’re… Not threatening me? Are you?” I ask.

Carter’s glance shifts to me, his face becoming confused. “What? No! I’m trying to get out of here before- “

Suddenly, I hear another voice from behind me, one I’ve never heard before.

“You shouldn’t be talking to this guy miss.”

I turn around, and in front of me, almost towering over me, is a giant guy. Covered from head to toe in brown fur. Wearing only a slightly torn flannel shirt, and jeans. This guy is a bear, in the literal sense. “Hello… Paul.” Says Carter.

“Like I said Miss. You shouldn’t be talking to these guys.” Paul says, calmly. “Why not?” I ask. Carter seems to be a nice guy.

James starts backing up slowly, standing next to me. “C-carter’s my friend, he wouldn’t do anything to us.”

“He may be a nice guy on the outside. But just like the other people in those blue polo’s, He’s got one goal. Keeping us in here.” Paul says, still retaining the same calm demeanor in his voice. “I’ve been here since this started. Haven’t tried anything once, been a model citizen.”

Carter pipes up now. “I understand you’re tired of waiting Paul. But the only reason you’re still here is cause of the slip up a week ago.” His hand now gripping onto the metal rod in his holster, waiting for when things go south.

“All of you know me by now. That wasn’t a slip up at all, I had a nightmare that night. That’s why I slashed the wall. That’s not a sign of instinct. You stood up for me, and then told the psychiatrist that it could have been.” Paul steps closer to Carter. Now towering over him. Carter, starting to sweat, pulls out the metal rod, holding it in front of him, pressing a button, the end sparking up.

Carter pulled out a cattle prod.

Paul doesn’t pay any attention to the sound, retaining his tough demeanor. “You stood up for me when I was there, and then rolled over like a dog behind my back. You still have it good, being human Carter. That’s what irritates me, and I’m not going to let you do the same to these new people. They don’t know you’ll turn on them, just like you did on me.”

Carter, sweat pouring down his face, says. “Paul, buddy I’m sorry, they asked me if that would count as instinct. I said, I guess… But, I didn’t know it would be taken like that!”

Paul sighs once more. “I get it, you got caught in a bind. I’m not happy about it, and I don’t trust you as much. But it cost me an early leave.” Paul raises his hand. “But I know deep down there, there’s some good in you.” Paul starts to put his hand on Carter’s shoulder. “So you better fix thi-“

Just then, the sound of the prod going off causes everyone to turn their attention to the three of us. I look in shock, as Carter pushed the cattle prod into Paul’s stomach, Paul falls back on his behind, dazed. James slinks behind me.

Carter starts stammering over his words. “O-oh no.. Paul. I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t think-“

Paul stands up again. With a defeated look on his face. “You didn’t think… that’s apt. I thought you were a good guy Carter.” Paul starts walking towards Carter once more. “I’m about kick your ass. The old fashioned way, no claws, no teeth, so you know this isn’t an instinct thing. Tell em’ all you went behind my back Carter. But I’m give you a beating the same way I did before all this animal nonsense.”

I start walking towards them. I put myself in between Paul and Carter. If Carter gets his ass kicked… I’m not going to figure out what was wrong about my file, about how I got here. But… I don’t remember much about this. Next thing I know Paul’s talking to me.

“Listen, Possum. This ain’t your fight. You should get out of here before things get ugly.” Paul says, still remaining calm throughout all this, how does this guy do it?

“I… I can’t.” I say. “I need this guy for something, and It has to be with him not beat up.”

Paul scoffs. “So what, you’re gonna fight in his place? That’s cute, I’m not dealing with it.” Paul starts walking around me, but I push him back, It doesn’t do much. But he gives me a glare, and steps back to say something to me, before falling back again. Paul, now lying on his back, revealing what really knocked him over. James. Completely invisible aside from his clothes. James reappears, crawling on all fours, staring at me. I just accidentally table topped Paul.

Looking down at James, I yell at him. “What are you doing?!”

“Trying to get out of here, you see that guy? He’s too big for you to handle!” James replies.

“Now, you’ve dragged us both into it!” I yell. Suddenly, Paul sits up again, staring at the both of us.

“You pissed me off. That’s it, both of you are a part of this now.” Paul stands up, and starts walking towards the both of us, readying his fists. James, Now standing up, starts to back away. Paul reels back, and throws a punch at the both of us. Not knowing what to do, I duck, and hope for the best. The air from Paul’s fist narrowly caving in my skull wooshes over me, as somehow, my stupid idea worked. I start trying to slink away, but Paul throws another punch directly above me. I dive out of the way, feeling his fist Knick the end of my tail. The sharp pain of Paul’s narrow miss shoots up my tail, into my spine, That… Didn’t feel good at all…

Paul growls, looking at me. “Listen missy, I can do this all day, either you’re going to get tired, or I’m going to get lucky.”

Carter, now standing next to me. Says to Paul, “She’s got nothing to do with this, just leave her out of this.”

Paul shakes his head. “Nope, she started your fight Carter, You’re both in it now.” Carter and I ready ourselves as Paul starts walking towards us, James, now materializing behind us, trembles, and readies himself. It’s 3 on 1. This should be easy… Right?

Paul starts swinging, Aiming for the both of us. Carter, dodges and weaves through Paul’s flurry of fists. Apparently, he’s done this before. Me on the other hand? I’m just backing up, I don’t know what’s going on but he’s too slow for me to get hit if I’m moving backwards. That’s what’s working, and I’m doing it. James, now standing by the fence, is watching the whole thing go down, not doing anything.

Carter hits Paul with another stun from the cattle prod. This shock doesn’t faze Paul, as he decks Carter in the shoulder, knocking him on his ass. Carter struggles to get back onto his feet but gets right back up.

Paul starts stomping, yelling at Carter. “You’re just like the rest! You two faced, lying, scheming, little piece of-!” Paul is now fuming, as he continues his tirade, the calm demeanor from Paul is now completely vanished. Leaving nothing but a terrifying beast of what once was a man. “I just want to go home! See my kid! Hug my Wife! Do you know how scared they were when I woke up like this?!” Paul’s anger continues to swell, as it feels like the ground is shaking with every word that comes out of his mouth. “I used to be happy! I know that nothing will be the same, but I came here so my family would know I’m safe! Instead, you evil bastards keep me here to what? Rot? Until I eventually die?! Never to go back to my loved ones again?! It’s been weeks! I’m not going to deal with your bullshit anymore!”

Paul throws his fist into the ground, instead of his fist stopping when it hits the pavement, it makes a shockwave of earth and concrete ripple towards us. Like… an actual shockwave. The concrete breaking and rising, like a wave coming directly towards us. Carter and I both stumble as the ripple dissipates, throwing us around with the moving earth beneath us.

Paul looks at the damage he’s caused. “What… What is this?” He focuses on the ground, raises his foot and lays all his weight into the ground. The force of his foot hitting the concrete causes the immediate area where he’s standing to sink a little into the ground, breaking the concrete beneath his feet. Raising his hands up, slowly, the ground beneath him begins to rise, slowly at first, but then shooting him upwards. Through… something, Paul is standing on top of a pillar about the same height as the fence.

“I don’t know what’s going on but I’m leaving.” Paul says, Jumping the fence, causing more earth to rise up in pillars like before, catching him, and then setting him down on the outside of the fence.

Carter, James, and I are completely surprised. How did Paul do what he just did, he controlled the earth, bending it to his will.

“See you, Carter, Miss.” Paul starts running into the wilderness lining the outside of the school.

Carter, now in a almost robotic like state, pulls out his walkie talkie. “We’ve got a code black! One of the changed has jumped the fence!” Suddenly, people in tactical gear start emerging from every door in the building. Groups of people with rifles run into the woods. More people emerge from the doors and starts taking people inside. Two guards, both wearing balaclavas approach James and I. Carter stops them and says. “They’re with me. They helped in my scuffle with Paul.” One of them responds with “You mean 012.” Carter sighs, “Yes, 012.”

The other man speaks. “You still let him get away, we’re going to escort 019 and 028 to their rooms. Think about what you’ve done, and make sure there’s a full report at the end of the night.” Both of the men turn to James and I. “We’re taking you to your rooms, come on. Mandatory curfew while the situation is assessed.” They start pushing us into the doors. Soon enough, we’re both in our rooms once again.

Once I get to my room, the guard ushers me in. “Alright 028, stay in here. Someone will come get you tomorrow.” The guard says. They then slam the door in my face. Now, I’m back where it all started. It’s my third day here and I’m already causing trouble.

I turn around and walk back to the crack in the wall, pulling out the piece I replaced, crouching down, I peer inside of James’ room. “Psst… James, you there?” I call out. I hear the shuffling of feet, and his head comes into view. “Yeah, I’m here.” He says, still looking shook up from our encounter with Paul. “What the hell happened out there? You froze up and didn’t help!” I ask, after I knocked Paul over by accident with James, he disappeared, figuratively, and literally.

“I don’t like conflict; I’m used to just painting houses and going home. Getting into fights isn’t my idea of rehabilitation! I didn’t know you were going to push that Paul guy over me. Let alone get into a fight!” James responds. “On top of that, now we find out that one of the biggest guys here is able to literally move the earth? He jumped the fence, and now the whole place is going crazy!” James sighs, sitting down in front of the crack in the wall. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next.” James says. “This isn’t good, I’ve never seen those guys in the swat uniforms before.”

“Yeah, you heard what they called us right? Some numbers, I think mine was 28…” I say.

“This is starting to seem less and less like a rehabilitation center.” James replies, “The only time I’ve seen my number, 19, is because I was the 19th person to show up here. But, hearing it in this context, I’m certain that something is up now.” James has a defeated look on his face. “You heard what Paul was yelling to Carter about right?”

I nod, “Yeah, it doesn’t look like this place isn’t meant to help us at all. He seemed like he was at his limit.”

“Yeah, and now, On top of that, what the heck was that thing with Paul moving the ground like that. It’s like some shit out of a comic book.” James says. “I don’t know, it certainly wasn’t natural. I don’t know what to think.” I say.

“As much as I would like to contemplate what happened outside… I’ll be honest, I’m more focused on what Carter said, and those men in the swat suits.” James replies.

“You’re right.” I respond. “We should try to look for a way to get out of here. I know how much you want to go home, and how you’ve been a model citizen, just like Paul.” I say.

“Yeah, and that’s what scares me, some kind of sign that I’m not completely human, and my stay here becomes just a little longer. Edging on the possibility of never ending. I’m not going to wait until I freak out like that. But, we can’t leave now. They’ve got this whole place on lockdown.” James mentions.

“Yeah, I know.” I respond. “They’re going to be on high alert, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find a way. We can bide our time a bit longer don’t you think?” I ask.

“I mean we could, I’ve been here long enough to know what we could use, but it… it could be risky. If we get caught…” James is about to continue, but I cut him off. “We don’t have to worry about getting caught. We’re just considering the option of…” Just then, I hear a knock at my door, and the sound of the handle opening. I scramble to put the piece of the wall back in it’s place, and just in time as the door finishes opening. When I turn around, it’s Carter, looking defeated, wearing a sling on his arm.

“Carter, what’re you doing in here? Are you okay?” I ask. Carter, nods. “I told you, I had to talk to you in private.” Carter winces before continuing. “Jesus, Paul got me good, the on site medic told me if I was hit any harder, I could’ve broke something. Luckily, it was only dislocated but I can’t use it as much for the time being. Regardless, I told you we needed to talk in private, seems to be a good time anyhow.”

Carter walks over to my bed, and sits down. I stand across from him against the wall. “Well, you did poke him with an electrified stick, it’s par for the course that you’d get some damage dealt back.” “Yeah, I expected as much, I wanted to thank you and James for helping out. If you two didn’t push him over, I probably would’ve got my ass kicked more than I did.” “We didn’t really do anything.” I said, “You were the one that started that whole fight.” Carter nods. “I’m just being polite. Part of the job I guess.” “Were the numbers part of the job Carter?” I ask. “Or are you going to write in that report of yours that there’s a possibility that James and I used some instinct to assist you?”

“I’m not going to even mention the two of you.” Carter responds, the look of remorse on his face. “What happened with Paul was a fluke. You really think I did that on purpose? I know you have every reason to be skeptical, but I have a feeling you’d know better.” Carter sighs. “Anyways, there’s two things that you should know, I did go look at your file.”

Carter stands up, and peers out the window for my door, before stepping away and turning to face me. “What I found, isn’t good Lyla. When I checked the office looking for records of you, it says you were picked up on a highway in Iowa.”

“I..Iowa… We’re not in Iowa? I ask, that’s where I was with my friends before all this happened…” I reply.

Carter continues. “No Lyla, we’re in Indiana, They moved you across two states, said that some of the personnel transferring here found you.”

“Wait..” I say, “I’m two states away?! Why?!” I exclaim.

“Well, since they were coming here, they brought you with them, said you only woke up once, but you were in a daze. You mentioned a party, and something about close family. They said that you started trying to use your phone, but they confiscated it. After that, you passed out.” Carter says. He pauses for a moment, before continuing.

“That’s not all… They found you in the middle of the road. They drove up, and you collapsed. They thought you were someone trying to… take the easy way out. But, when they investigated to see if you were okay, they said that’s when they found you as a changed. You were… playing dead.”

“Are you saying that’s in my file too… One of these, signs of instinct that Paul mentioned?” I ask.

“From the looks of it, yes.” Carter stops, peers through the window once more, and continues talking. “Here’s the biggest thing about this… your file, aside from your age, height, and all that crap. Your personal information is completely redacted. In fact, everyone’s files are like this. No driver’s licenses, no emergency contacts, nothing.” Carter continues. “To be honest, none of us look at the files, that’s for the psychologist and the higher ups to do, we handle interpersonal matters. I’ve seen all the normal questions asked, information that should be in there isn’t there. So, looking at your file, James’ file, I can’t find anything about you regarding what your life once was.”

Carter stops, and walks to the corner of the room next to the door. The sound of boots trampling down the hallway can be heard, followed by muffled voices, and the sound of a cattle prod. Then, the noise subsides. Carter, slowly steps out from the corner.

“Here’s the thing, they’re only keeping track of two things here, Your physical appearance, and your, “outbursts” That’s what they’re calling these moments of instinct, like they did with Paul. Anything else, you had on you, like your phone, it’s here, somewhere. Since they found you during one of these outbursts, they’re keeping you for much longer than you think, even with the fact that you’ve been unconscious for the past three weeks.” Carter pauses, as if he’s listening for someone walking down the hallway. “I hate to say it, but I think Paul’s right, they’re finding every reason to keep you here. I’m sorry that I have to be the one to tell you, I really thought this place was going to help you guys, but I’m concerned that you guys are in some serious trouble, you have lives to get to.”

“Are you… telling me to escape?” I ask… “No.” Carter says. “I can’t tell you to escape, that’d be breaking my oath as being a beacon of rehabilitation, which with this new information I should be keeping that promise. But, if I was in your situation, I wouldn’t be surprised if an opening appears, and you took it.” Carter pauses once more, then continues. “Anyhow, the second thing I wanted to tell you is that they’re going to be holding an assembly tomorrow morning. They’re keeping you all inside for the night. Tomorrow, they’re going to talk about Paul’s escape. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but stick with James, You two can make it through this.”

Carter steps to the door. “I’ll try to meet up with you guys after the assembly, just… be careful, everyone out there’s on edge. Don’t try to start anything like you did with Paul, I won’t be there to help.” Carter then opens the door and walks away.

With all of these new revelations in my mind, I sit down on my bed. My file, is empty? Everything about my previous life… gone… This doesn’t make sense at all. What’re they trying to do to people like me? What’s their end game? What’s their plan for me? I know now more than ever I have to get out of here… If I do… What’s the next step? After I escape, where do I go? I know that my friends are back in Iowa, probably worried sick about me. But, then again, I talked to James about my family. I haven’t seen my parents in years… Now that I think about it… They’re probably back home. That’s in Wisconsin. I’ve got to go back and find them first. I told James I would, and I have a feeling I should make it back there. Just to let them know I’m okay. But for now, I’ve got to get out of here, and fast…