Blank Slates

Chapter 6

 She awoke again in her room, sharp white pain consuming her entire body. She attempted to force herself up, but an unexpected, strangled cry escaped her lips. She immediately covered her mouth and looked around fearfully. It was dark outside, and 101505A was sleeping on the bed next to hers. She relaxed slightly, leaning back and placing her hands on her stomach. She winced slightly from the tenderness of her burned skin, but she got used to it after a short time. Sighing, she closed her eyes, trying to get some rest. The only thing on her mind was an unquenchable need to somehow get out there. She wanted nothing more than to be free of all her pain. Death or escape, what was the difference? At least she wouldn't have to spend any more time in this place.

"Hey."

She turned to the voice to see 81305B. He smiled and his green eyes shone as he approached her. It was a sunny day outside, and she was sitting under the shade of a large oak tree. She was not wearing her normal white uniform, but instead wore blue shorts and a large shirt. Her feet were bare and her brown hair hung loosely around her shoulders. The boy walked over and took a seat next to her. He was clad in grey pants and a white shirt.

"Hey, 81305B," she replied softly, barely recognizing her own voice.

He looked surprised when he heard her call him that. "Hey, just call me Finn. What shall I call you?"

She paused. "I...I don't know. It doesn't really matter anyway." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "How are you doing today?"

"Quite well, thank you," he chuckled. "And you?"

"I'm doing well," she replied, running a hand through her hair.

"You look really pretty."

A smile crept onto her face. "Thank you."

Her eyes shifted to the space in front of her. There, she saw young children laughing and playing in the fields. Men and women of all ages were scattered about, sitting on blankets or running with the kids. No one was dressed in the typical stiff white, black, or grey uniforms. Everyone seemed so happy and the entire place seemed to be exploding with life. She didn't know where she was or how she got there, but all she knew is she didn't ever want to leave. 81305B (or Finn) touched her hand gently, and she turned to look at him.

"Are you okay?"

She tilted her head. "Do I not look okay?"

"You look a little sad," he shrugged. "I don't know, maybe that's just me."

She turned back to look at the people in the fields. "It's not real..."

"What do you mean?"

She looked at him again. "It's not real. None of it is. You're not real, they're not real, I'm not real. This can't be happening. It's all an illusion. It can't be true..."

"What are you afraid of?"

Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"Why are you rejecting this?" His voice began to sound strange. It became deeper and harsher.

"Because reality is not this kind," she spoke, standing up and looking around herself. "My reality is a dark hellish nightmare, not this beautiful paradise."

"But this paradise is you fantasy, is it not?"

She hesitated. "No, it's not."

Immediately, 81305B/Finn vanished from her sight. Dark clouds rolled in, blocking out the sun and causing the laughter to stop. She watched in horror as Sentinels rushed in from nowhere, grabbing the men and women and children who were playing happily before her just a few moments ago. She watched as families were ripped apart, screaming and fighting to keep their loved ones close. She watched as the resisters were struck down, punished for their disobedience and refusal to cooperate. She watched was the scenery melted around her; her lush surroundings being replaced with cold lifeless buildings and towers. And all this she watched, unable to move or speak.