Kali

Testing

I remembered it entirely...

I focused on the small black cylinders that sat singular on the metal gray table. I couldn't help but anxiously clutched the hem of my yellow nightgown as I try to imagine them moving swiftly around the table. But I couldn't move them as my mind was still swimming with worry and confusion to why I was here. Only moments ago, I was getting ready for bed — and then military men knocked on our door asking for me. My parents didn't put up a fight as they gave me up with tears in their eyes.

"Come on, Kali. Try once more."

I looked to the man who sat across from me in the gray lifeless room. He told me his name was Doctor O'Brian. But he told me to call him, John. He was the one who greeted me at the facility doors and brought me into the room. I've been in here for almost four hours. I was becoming tired and hungry.

"You moved the last one on the right earlier. Try again."

Doctor O'Brian peered at me with amusement in his green, down-turned eyes. It was like a small child waiting for a magician to perform his simple trick. I also didn't move it earlier, he imagined it. I can't perform my ability when I'm nervous or scared.

"I can't," I murmured. "I can only do it a certain times."

"Try again, Kali."

Doctor O'Brian tone became more stern from his soft caring one he greeted me with hours ago. I could tell he was putting on an act with me. But I understood why. I was a kid, and he didn't want to upset me. I released a heavy, tired sigh and focused on the cylinders. I closed my eyes and painted them moving once more. But this time I imagined myself in my bedroom back in Chicago. That's where I was able to move things with my mind easily. I once moved my fashion doll from its dollhouse and into my arms. It was easy to do when no one was telling me to do it. Or that time, in school when I moved a book from the top shelf in the library,

I missed my room. I didn't understand why my parents sent me here. I thought sharing my ability with them would bring joy, but instead — fear filled their eyes. I shut my eyes tightly trying to fight back tears as I remembered their faces when I moved the flower vase from the table to them. They looked at me like I was a creature that came to hunt them, like a spawn made from the devil himself. Why did they give me away? Do they hate me? Am I really cursed like my father said I was? I started to feel anger rise within me as I clutched my small brown hands into a tight fist.

"Jesus Christ!" exclaimed Doctor O'Brian.

His words made my eyes open as the black cylinders no longer sat on the cold table unmoving, but instead floated nine inches off of it. It was like they were frozen in time. Even I was shocked by my doings, as I was only able to move one object at a time. Doctor O'Brian lifted his shaky white hands and grabbed one of them. It fell into his hands gently as he took off his rectangular glasses with shock and amusement.

"What gift you have, Kali," he uttered as he wrote on his notepad hastily. "What gift indeed." He whispered, as if he had plans in store.

"I want my parents."

Doctor O'Brian looked up from his notepad. The once amused expression he had just a few seconds ago was now drained from his body. He looked at me emotionless and shook his head in disbelief, ignoring my words.

Trying to contain my anger. I asked once more through gritted teeth. "I want my parent. Will they come get me from here?"

Doctor O'Brian didn't sense the rage within me as he continued to write in his notepad.

"Your parents informed us they do not want contact with you, Kali. Try to imagine life without them now," he said coldly. "At Zorna, you will be taken care of by the best scientist and doctors."