Shattered Innocence

A Flicker of Light

I feel Nora's eyes on me as I guide her back to the elevator, but I avoid meeting her gaze. The first time I saw her, it was like an electric shock that jolted my frozen heart back to life. I can't explain why. It's not just her beauty, although she is undeniably stunning. It's something deeper, something in her eyes that reflects her unwavering determination to survive. She's broken, just like me, but she manages to function. It's as if she holds the secrets to unlocking my own complexities. I fight the urge to reach out and unravel her, to understand her inner workings, just as I would with a machine. Even now, I tap my fingers nervously, resisting the temptation to touch her.

Once we reach the elevator's destination and the doors open, I hastily step out, trying to escape her presence and the intoxicating scent that surrounds her. But then her voice cuts through the air, causing me to stumble. Her soft, purring tone unexpectedly ignites a fire within me, stirring a desire that I shouldn't feel. "Look, I didn't mean it to come out the way it did earlier, okay?" she says, and I turn to find her looking at me. "I don't prefer Yuri or any of you. I barely know you. I was just curious about this place and a little nervous. I want to talk and break the silence. I'm sorry if that upset you."

Damn it, of course she didn't mean it that way. I don't even know why her request for Yuri bothered me, as if I wasn't good enough. As she said, she doesn't know us, so why did it sting? Why do I wish she had said my name instead? Now, she looks at me with kindness, not him. It doesn't make sense. I can understand computers, cameras, and equipment, but people? People are a mystery to me. I don't even understand my own tumultuous emotions regarding this beautiful woman standing before me. So I push those thoughts aside and respond to her.

"I understand," I say, and she nods, though it seems like she's waiting for more. "You're not much of a talker, are you?" she teases, a mischievous grin forming on her face.

"I'm better at fixing things," I admit, and she comes to my side as we resume walking.

"Fair enough. So where did my dear old daddy keep you?" Her words hit a nerve, and she winks at me.

"Prague," I mutter. "From what little I saw, it was a beautiful city."

"Exotic. I was confined to a basement," she reveals, and I can't help but smile.

"I had no windows," I add, and she gasps dramatically.

"Windows? What a luxury! I didn't even have a bed, just a cold, hard floor to sleep on."

"At least you had somewhere to lie down. I had to stand," I counter, finding myself teasing her, and we both share a genuine smile. It's then that I realize she has managed to put me at ease, a feeling that no one, not even the others, has been able to achieve in all the years we've been together. It's strange and unexpected.

"Come on, this way to the rooms. They may not be spacious or comfortable, but they offer privacy, a bed, and pillows," I inform her.

"Well, well, you guys really know how to pamper a girl," she playfully remarks, matching my stride as we approach the room situated between Zack's and Ivan's. I open the sturdy metal door and gesture for her to enter first.

Inside, there's a narrow single bed to the left, neatly made with folded bedding at the end. A small en suite is situated to the left, the bed enclosed by a partitioning wall. Every surface is constructed of metal, devoid of any windows, with only a bright white light illuminating the space from above. To the right, there's a small desk and a wardrobe.

"Wow, such lavish accommodations," she teases, settling herself onto the firm bed. "You guys sure know how to spoil a girl."

"We certainly do," I respond with a grin. "Your RFID chip will grant you access in and out. Try to get some rest. I'll arrange for water and supplies to be delivered."

As I turn to leave, she calls out to me. "Mikhail?"

I pause, glancing back at her. "Yeah?"

"Thank you," she softly offers, genuine happiness radiating from her.

"You're welcome, Nora," I reply, the warmth of her gratitude spreading a smile across my lips.

As I shut the door behind me, I can't help but feel a newfound sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, people aren't as daunting and complicated as they often appear. Perhaps there is more to discover beyond the realm of machines and technology. With Nora's presence, a flicker of light has been ignited within me, and I'm curious to see where it leads.