Star Zaraki:
August 22, 2025
10:05 EST
The Autumn
Off the northern coast of Cuba
Lying in bed with my tablet held above me, I reread the last message Cayro had sent. Today was supposed to be my day off, a time to relax and do nothing, but my thoughts were entirely consumed by our conversation. Each reply from him made my heart leap with a joy that was both unexpected and welcome. As I pondered over his words, my tablet buzzed, signaling a new email from him. Eagerly, I opened it.
Email: #4
FROM: CB-5522
TO: SZ-0117
SUBJECT: Truth
You know who the cat is?
C.
His message was brief and direct, focused on the cat. Why was he asking me about the cat? Then it hit me—the dream I had the other night wasn't just my dream; it was his too. The cat had chosen to visit him instead of me. A pang of jealousy stabbed at my chest. The realization that the cat hadn't come back to see me in so long stirred a mixture of emotions within me.
I wasn't upset with Cayro; it wasn't his fault. But I couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment toward the cat. He used to be a regular visitor in my dreams, guiding me, teaching me, and now... nothing. I missed those visits more than I cared to admit.
Sitting up, I propped my pillows against the bulkhead, creating a soft backrest. My fingers hovered over the keyboard as I debated how much to reveal. After a moment of consideration, I decided to tell him everything. If the cat was visiting him, there had to be a reason, and perhaps Cayro deserved to know what that reason might be.
Email: #5
FROM: SZ-0117
TO: CB-5522
SUBJECT: Truth
Yes, I know about the cat. He used to visit my dreams until about a year or so ago, always communicating through a notebook. He would emerge from a mirror in my dreams and teach me math, history, and so many other things as I grew up. The cat was always kind and never gave me any reason to fear him. If it's the same cat I dreamt about, then he's most likely trying to tell you something important. You might want to try and figure out what he wants.
Like I said, he never steered me wrong. He would often lead me through my dreams to solve puzzles, and I used to look forward to the adventures we'd have together. I hope you figure it out, C.
S.
After sending the message, I set the tablet down on my nightstand and picked up the second book in the series I was reading. I'd finished the first book yesterday and was now halfway through the second, but I found it hard to concentrate. My thoughts kept drifting back to Cayro, the excitement of our conversation making it difficult to focus on anything else.
I managed to read another three pages before the familiar buzz of my tablet interrupted my thoughts. My heart skipped a beat as I quickly reached for it, eager to see what Cayro had written next.
Email: #6
FROM: CB-5522
TO: SZ-0117
SUBJECT: Truth
Did the cat ever appear in mirrors or on a computer screen while you were awake? He has several times for me, and it's seriously freaking me out. He told me that he's a part of me, which sent me into a panic attack a few days ago. He shows up here and there when I'm awake, but I've been ignoring him. In my dreams, he keeps trying to lead me into a mirror. Every time I try to follow him, I wake up. He's starting to make my head spin. Do you have any advice?
YOU ARE READING
Project: Cayro
Научная фантастикаLife after high school was supposed to be simple. Then again, nothing's ever simple when you're the result of a top-secret experiment. Welcome to Project Cayro-where adulthood comes with a side of "What the actual f**k?" Cayro: So, instead of a dipl...
