Monster Like You

Chapter 16

No one came to him for two days. By the evening of the first one, Nathaniel couldn't believe his luck: had he been given at least a day's respite? Left alone with thoughts, allowed to put in order the feelings that were disheveled from the excess of events?

Oddly enough, he still had feelings. They have become even more vivid than before. As far as he remembered them. Nathaniel was always quite reserved and not too emotional, although he could be angered and even infuriated. He was upset, offended, fell in love, envied, desired. Ashamed. After the rebirth, as he called the incident to himself, everything began to feel sharper. In particular, it became easy to get angry, hate, and despise. It became easier to make decisions, the old morality no longer dominated him. Shame also receded.

And yet he couldn't go away and leave Vet. Why?

He continued to spend most of his time on the bed, hiding from the cameras. There was a lot to think about, but I didn't want to control my facial expression, it took away strength and reduced concentration.

Over and over, Nathaniel replayed the events of the previous day in his head. At first he refused to leave harm. Knowing full well that he was in no danger, he wanted to show that they did not have absolute power over him, that he could still make his own decisions and would not obey their orders.

Vet, who had never seen him regenerate, apparently forgot about it. And decided to stay. This action was illogical and so unlike the sober-minded analyst he remembered. Although if you think about it, he also remembered that Vet's sanity failed from time to time. Especially when it came to Nathaniel Bond.

But okay, she's a girl confused in her feelings. Even though she was already very old and smart enough, she was still a girl for him. He felt a lifetime older, although formally he existed for a year and a half, even less. How to explain his strange behavior?

The answer was obvious: Nathaniel. He still influenced his decisions and actions. The weight of his memories, his attitude towards these people, his character–there was too much of everything. He turned out to be a strong enough personality that the traits of this personality continued to persist after everything that happened to its bearer. The new Nathaniel hated himself for it now. If it were not for other people's feelings, emotions, thoughts and principles, he would have found freedom long ago.

However, there was one plus in what had happened: the rage that had broken loose had done him good. He remembered turning around and looking at the remains of the creepy creature, feeling almost as powerful satisfaction as after killing Penn. A pleasure that made him almost regret sacrificing his chance for freedom.

By the evening of the second day, Nathaniel was worried. What if they really decided to leave him alone? Forever. They will simply provide food, monitor physiological needs, take tests as needed. That's all. Even in Penn's laboratory, he had the opportunity to communicate with Alyss at any time, at his own request.

On the third day, the door opened. In the few seconds that separated the click of the lock from the visitor's entrance, Nathaniel managed to get up from surprise, smile and put on his usual slightly arrogant look again.

His visitor was Vet again. However, today it was her turn.

"Have Kiaran and Gervase given up on the idea of entertaining me with conversations?" Nathaniel asked mockingly, coming out of the bedroom area to meet her. "Or are they afraid I'll wring their necks?"

Vet stopped in the middle of the small living room, looked at Nathaniel approaching and even smiled faintly.

"I asked them to give you time," she explained. "Last time you made it clear that you wanted to be alone."