Mirrors to Atlantis

Chapter 4

Today was the day! Polina woke with a sense of elation coursing through her. Not even the unrelenting darkness, the biting cold, or the small, cluttered apartment she shared with her distant father could dampen her spirits. Today marked the beginning of her journey as a test subject at the science facility, and she couldn't have been more thrilled.

As she hastily dressed and sipped her morning tea, Polina's excitement bubbled over. She couldn't wait to delve into the process, to see how these experiments were conducted, and most importantly, to earn a substantial amount of money to fund her future plans of returning to Vaiya.

With a quick farewell to her father, she ventured out into the dark Arctic morning, the clock still shy of 9 am, with no sign of sunlight for another 76 days. The grocery store was a beacon of light in the darkness, and Svetlana was busy at the register, receiving training from Viktor. Polina waved to them both before slipping inside to escape the cold.

While she waited for her ride to the science facility, Polina decided to buy a snack. As she roamed the aisles, she encountered Marta, diligently stocking shelves. Polina caught Marta's eye, and her coworker rushed over, her short dark hair whipping around.

"Polina! I heard you're going to that science facility to be a test subject!?" Marta's excitement got the better of her, and her whisper wasn't as hushed as she intended.

Polina hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Yes."

Curiosity piqued, Marta probed, "What are they going to do to you?"

"It's not like that," Polina explained. "They said I just have to sit in front of a mirror for as long as I can, or something like that."

Marta seemed satisfied with the answer, and Polina continued, "If they were planning anything invasive, I wouldn't have agreed. Plus, the pay is quite substantial. Maybe you should look into participating. I know they need more subjects. I'll let you know how today goes, in case it's as intimidating as people say." Polina tried to ease Marta's concerns with a chuckle.

Intrigued, Marta responded, "I'd love to hear about it. You know I could use the extra money for Christmas this year. I've been working myself to the bone, trying to persuade Viktor to let me work doubles as much as possible. Well, good luck today. I hope you come back in one piece." Marta chuckled, and Polina rolled her eyes, sarcastically thanking her coworker for the well wishes. Her appetite had vanished, replaced by creeping anxiety.

Just then, Viktor called her name from the front of the store. "Polina, your chariot awaits," he said snarkily. And with that, Polina's adventure began as she walked past her register, her boss, and out into the cold to board the small white bus.

"Polina Morozov?" the driver asked as she climbed aboard.

"Yes," she replied.

"Take a seat," he instructed as he pulled away from the brightly lit store. Polina noticed two other passengers on the bus with her. Given the town's small size, she recognized almost everyone, so these newcomers were a curiosity. She wondered if they were scientists from the facility.

One of the passengers stood out—a slender, elegant older woman with blonde hair artfully piled atop her head and secured with a pearlescent clip. Her red-rimmed cat-eye glasses and matching silk scarf evoked memories of Polina's mother. The sight of the scarf brought her comfort, as if it were a sign from her mother through time, assuring her, "I am with you." Polina settled into her seat, feeling more at ease with the presence of someone who reminded her of her mother. She gazed out of the window, watching the buildings of the town grow distant until they vanished, leaving nothing but darkness outside. Soon, the monotony of the journey and the rhythmic hum of the bus lulled her into a deep sleep.