Me

Chapter 5

I feel myself coming back to consciousness and notice a bright light shining through my eyelids. I squeeze my eyes tight to try to escape the light, but it doesn't help. I try to sit up, but I can't move. I can't even lift my head. I lay still, letting my eyes adjust to the light. I can almost open them when I hear a heavy metal door shut. The sound vibrates in my head so loud that my eyes start to water. I hear the rumbling footsteps of multiple people walk into the room. I try again to move my arms, but it's no use. I start writhing around, as the pain in my head increases.

"She's awake."

The words seem like they are projected through a bullhorn.

"How's she doing?" The amplified voices become louder, and I become hyper-aware of everything going on around me. I can hear the rustle of cloth, I can feel the slight ventilation of the air breeze past me. I don't open my eyes, for fear that the pain will increase. The worst sense of all is the smell. The smell of formaldehyde burns my nostrils. I whimper slightly.

"She's affected differently than the others." The voice is louder, and I feel a tear run down my cheek.

"What is she?"

"Instinct."

"That's strange, she's the first instinct affected."

"She's reacting in a different way as well."

"Maybe something is happening. The genes are computer generated. Maybe there's a virus in the system. It could affect all types, but maybe ability is affected in another way."

One of the doctors is about to say something, but the slamming of the door against the wall interrupts them. I screech in pain. I feel like my ears are going to explode.

The doctor is out of breath. "Another is affected."

"Who?"

"What type?"

The doctor takes in a breath.

"His name is Dillon. He's adaptability."

I try to break free from the restraints when I hear Dillon's name.

"Did she know him?" I assume they're talking about me.

"Yes. There were four of them. Jasmine, Dillon, Zachariah and Reyna. They were good friends."

Were? Why is he saying were. I try to get a word in but all that comes out is a squeak. I wince at the sound it makes.

"You might as well," I hear a doctor say. I hear the sound of footsteps approaching and feel an intense pain in my arm. I go under just as fast as before.