Misunderstood Monsters

Chapter 15: Old Friends

John ran, away from Dr. Collingwood, away from pain, away from friends, away from family. Finally he came to a stop and leaned against a wall. His eyes burned from tears and his heart twisted from guilt.

A familiar, chipper voice seemed to come from behind the wall. "John?"

"E-Eddie? I-Is that you?"

"Yeah, it's me. Oh man, I missed you so much. I never thought I'd hear your... voice..."

"Eddie? You okay?"

"Y-Yeah, it's just... are you okay?"

"I'm fi- okay, I'll admit it, I'm pretty upset right now."

"Why?"

"Well, you see, there's this researcher here named Dr. Collingwood, and..."

John told Eddie everything. His first meeting with her, trying to erase her memory of him, saving her from 049, everything. Including the events of today.

Eddie stayed silent, listening intently to everything he said. After John was done talking, he asked only one thing.

"What's Dr. Collingwood's full name?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"I have my reasons. And it's important."

"Her first name's Molly."

Eddie was silent for a moment. When he spoke again, his voice was uncharacteristically full of worry.

"Whatever you do, do not let her or any associate she has anywhere near our containment cell."

"Wait, why?"

"It's... complicated. Tell Billy too, but no one else."

"Got it."

Suddenly a feminine voice called out, sounding panicked. "John? John! Where are you?!"

John heard Eddie gulp. "Get away from our containment cell, now."