Forgotten

Chapter 3: Ever Dream

The community room in Cadmus Asylum had never seen a scene like that afternoon. The excitement in the atmosphere was palpable, spirits high and breaths held collectively as everyone - even the regular staff - watched as Winn came so very close to defeating Brainiac in a game of chess, likes of which had never happened before at the institute.

Kara always knew Winn was brilliant. While most people never bothered to look past his very quiet demeanor, often ruled over by his unusual obsessions and compulsions, Kara was able to see his true self. Winn loved inventing things that helped people. He spent hours sketching blueprints of devices, vehicles or gadgets that only belonged to Sci-Fi novels. Sometimes when he felt talkative, he would explain them in rich detail to Kara, who only understood halfly. Brainiac was perhaps the only one who matched his intellectual level. That, however, didn't mean the two got along well, and this chess match was their way of settling the matter once and for all: who was the smartest between the two of them.

To the disappointment of many, the match dragged into a locked tie with only four pieces on the board. Some whined, while others cheered. Some orderlies exchanged money in the background. Even so, both contestants remained engaged and focused on the game. Kara could see that Brainiac was irritated with how easily Winn had seen through his every trap and move. Winn on the other hand, sported a rare smug smirk on his face.

"I must admit, you are of a level two intellect," Brainiac conceded in his own unique way, even though the game had ended in a draw. He had created this metric system for himself, establishing that, if the intelligence of a normal human being was set to level one, then he was at level 12. Therefore, admitting to someone that they were a level two, had to be considered a very flattering compliment from his side.

Soon after the game, almost everyone dispersed, but Kara remained nearby to express her congratulations with a genuine smile to Winn. He was quick to reciprocate and sheepishly asked if she was interested in playing a round of chess with him, to which Kara eagerly nodded. She didn't mind losing. It was a nice change to see Winn so content and confident.

During the game, Kara got distracted by the sight of Mike on the couch in front of the TV, talking to Eve. Again. It had been three days since the incident in the cafeteria and Kara noticed the two chatting more often than not, starting with Eve joining their table during their previously silent meals. Her heart sank deep and heavy every time she sat there, watching them talk when she couldn't. She felt as though she was losing Mike. Even if all they had was this oddly weak connection, it felt as though it was slipping through her fingers right before her eyes, and it hurt. She told herself over and over that she should have known better. That Mike deserved to be friends with someone normal like Eve, and not her. That she was too broken, too abnormal to be loved.

Kara saw them leaning a little closer to each other and was suddenly overcome by the need to leave that place and run back to her room.

"Kara, it's your turn," Winn reminded his very absentminded opponent, his face falling when Kara merely shook her head and pushed back from the table with a pale face.

"Kara, can you come with me, please?" Alex showed up just in time, as if sensing her distress. Gladly, Kara let the nurse lead her away, yet couldn't help but swivel to give a final glance at where Mike and Eve still sat on the couch, speaking lightly. The smiles on their faces told her all she needed to know.

When the kind-hearted nurse took a false turn into another corridor on the second floor, Kara's steps faltered. "I know you probably want to go back to your room, but the Head Nurse told me to bring you to the new doctor Luthor," Alex explained, but there was a weary edge to her tone that made Kara think that she wasn't too thrilled about the young Luthor joining the board of doctors at the institute either.