Prison of Puppet(eer)s

An Average Day

Surrounded by a neighborhood of ancient homes barely withstanding the test of time, a single modern mansion equipped with holographic security guards and an advanced AI targeting system contrasts sharply with its near-ruined neighbors. The home stands planted on the hill in the center of town, watching over the ash grey river with distant hauteur. Inside the home, an 11 year old girl named Anastasia lies awake in her bed.

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I am listening to the comforting, familiar hum of machinery and electrical devices, waiting. Despite my excitement, I stay in my bed, a cozy little refuge that was designed just for me.
I was enjoying my last minutes of quiet. I wasn't really tired, but I wanted to gather my strength. This day would demand my highest concentration.
I had a reason to be excited about this day, but now that it has arrived I found the excitement beginning faed, and to be mixed with dread. I was on a difficult mission and nobody can know who I really am, or what I was assigned to do. If I can get past my parents, fooling everyone else should be a breeze. They always seem to know more than they should... and though I always have a plausible story to cover my tracks they get far too close to the truth at times.
My thoughts were racing. This bed is so comfy! Please don't tell me that it is time to go to school. No, actually, tell me that is time to go now before I fall back asleep. I am so excited though. Being homeschooled was boring, so I can't wait to go to a school where there are other kids my age. I'll make friends and have such a good time!

ANASTASIA! TIME TO WAKE UP, AND GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL! Mom rehearses, practically screaming to my mind.

I shoot out of bed, and onto the soft tan carpet, ready to take on the day, glad to have heard my mom 'yell' to me.

"Anastasia! Time to wake up, and get ready for your first day at school!"

I sigh. Glad for those same words out loud I suppose.

"Coming!" I explain, shouting just as loud as my parents did, "Just let me pick out my dress, actually maybe a shirt and skirt!" I demand in the same breath.

Mentally, I hear my parents mutter Fine, I was going to tell her she could take her time choosing her clothes, but I am kinda tired of hearing her speak to me like that.

Whenever they say take your time, it is usually when it is the busiest, or when I am the most desperate for time. Then they always also think 'It does no good to rush her. That'll only cause Anastasia to slow down, and to make mistakes.'

I look under my bed to find my socks I refuse to put away and browse my closet for something to wear.

My favorite frilly pink dress maybe? No, that'd draw a lot of attention. My gothic black dress I got specifically for today? No, I've changed my mind. There! I'll put on this turquoise shirt, and this short, sparkly, emerald skirt. Now, what shoes should I wear?

I eventually selected a pair of highly fashionable black high heels, and with that decision, I committed not to wear my socks after all, which had resulted in me throwing my socks back under the bed frame.

Now, my job is to find the man who has placed me in this home and body, with this mind that is still of a battle-scarred adult. I should probably kill him when I find him, and not very gently either. But for now, I need to hurry and get to school on time. I sigh deeply, grab my bookbag and I prepare to convince a bunch of small children that I am one of them. I hope they're not any more perceptive than my parents.