18. CARE

3 1 0
                                    

Back in the tactical room, it looks increasingly ready for the briefing.

Val: "Wow, the world feels upside down in a single day."

Roland: "Yeah, what do you think?"

Val: "Dangerous, chemical, secret—not abandoned."

Roland: "How are you so sure?" He smiles, impressed by Val's quick and accurate thinking.

Val: "Come on, the pattern."

Roland: "Yes, the pattern..."

He sighs. "How are the kids? I only got to see them from outside the interrogation room earlier," referring to the disturbing footage of Alvin and Mia.

Val: "I passed by them when I entered. They seemed okay. Recovery from trauma will definitely take time, especially after something like that at their age."

As she speaks, the scene shifts to the Asher family being dropped off by Corporal Natt. Alvin and Mia sit in the back seat, watching a children's program on the screen, their faces still bearing traces of shock despite the calming effect. Their mother sits between them, hugging and kissing them for comfort.

Roland listens, and soon Anthony enters, signaling that the briefing is about to begin.

To be continued...

PROJECT: WONDERLANDWhere stories live. Discover now