totally meta

chapter 32

Henry stood alongside Dr. Harris in front of the large, seven-bedroom house. It was the first step toward integrating meta-humans back into society—a place where they could live in peace, monitored, yes, but with a sense of freedom they hadn't experienced in a long time. The morning sun gleamed off the sleek exterior of the house, and a crowd had gathered in front, including reporters and curious locals. Among them was Rachel, a familiar face in the sea of cameras.

Behind Henry and Dr. Harris stood the three meta-humans who had worked hard to gain control over their powers: Marcus, the young man who could create fire; Erica, whose skin could transform into metal when she was angry or threatened; and another meta-human, Sam, whose abilities they had yet to publicly disclose.

Rachel, holding her microphone, raised her voice above the murmuring crowd, eyes locked on Henry and Dr. Harris. "Why are you setting these meta-humans free? Isn't that dangerous, given what they can do?"

Dr. Harris stepped forward, calm and collected, her voice clear and steady. "The reason we're doing this is simple: these meta-humans never asked for their powers. They didn't choose to have their lives changed in such a dramatic way, and many of them have been working hard to gain control of their abilities so they won't accidentally put people in danger."

The cameras flashed, and Rachel pressed on. "But how can you guarantee that they won't lose control again? What if something goes wrong?"

Dr. Harris glanced back at the three meta-humans standing behind her before addressing the crowd again. "These particular individuals have shown a sincere desire to do good, to help society instead of harm it. We're giving them the chance to prove that they can use their abilities responsibly. But let me be clear: the house they're moving into will be highly monitored. Any illegal behavior or loss of control over their powers will be swiftly dealt with. If necessary, we can re-contain them at any time, though we're hopeful it won't come to that."

Henry stood beside Dr. Harris, listening to her words. He'd spent weeks working with these meta-humans, helping Marcus control his fire and listening to Erica talk about her recently discovered faith that gave her a reason to strive towards doing good. He had seen firsthand the effort they were putting in, their determination to live normal lives again.

Rachel wasn't finished yet. "How can you be sure they won't just snap one day? I mean, powers like these... it's not something people can just turn off, right?"

Dr. Harris sighed softly but didn't waver. "You're right. They can't simply turn off their abilities. But what they've learned is how to control them. Like any skill, it takes practice and discipline. Marcus, for instance, has learned to suppress his fire unless he consciously activates it. Erica has gained control over her emotions to the point where her skin only turns to metal when she chooses it. This isn't about repressing who they are—it's about managing their powers in a way that's safe for them and everyone around them."

The reporters scribbled down notes, and the cameras continued to roll. Marcus stepped forward, his gaze steady as he addressed the crowd. "We're not here to cause trouble. We just want a chance to live like normal people. I don't want to hurt anyone. None of us do."

Erica nodded in agreement. "I spent a long time being angry about what happened to me, but I've learned that revenge and anger don't fix anything. I want to be better, for myself and for others. We all deserve a chance to prove we can be."

The third meta-human, Sam, remained silent, but his calm demeanor spoke volumes. Henry knew that Sam was still grappling with his abilities, but he had made progress. All of them had. And now, they were being given the chance to move forward.

Dr. Harris turned back to the crowd, her tone final. "We're not asking for blind trust. But we are asking for understanding. These meta-humans didn't choose to be different. They were dealt a difficult hand, but they've worked to gain control of their powers and prove that they can contribute to society. They deserve a chance, just like anyone else."

Rachel lowered her microphone slightly, seemingly satisfied for now, though her expression was still skeptical. The other reporters continued to take notes, but the tension in the air had eased a bit.

As the crowd slowly dispersed, Henry turned to Dr. Harris. "Do you think people will actually give them a chance?"

Dr. Harris gave him a small smile, her eyes softening. "I hope so, Henry. But even if some don't, all we can do is give them the opportunity to prove themselves. The rest is up to them."

Henry nodded, glancing back at Marcus, Erica, and Sam. He had faith in them, and he knew they had the potential to do good. This house was just the beginning—if they succeeded, maybe more meta-humans could have the chance to live freely.

As they prepared to head back to Seven Labs, Henry felt a sense of hope.