PARADOXICAL

Waiting room

Dr. Royle led them straight down till they came upon a double door. In the far end of the same hallway was another. 'that must be the checking room.' Jimin thought.

She opened the doors with her pass and led them fully in.

The other doctors ushered them to various tables where they made them sit in pairs differently, till only Jimin was left.

He swallowed as he looked at the whole place over again, standing left out. It was an extended room, spacious and gracious.

He bit his lips. "What about I?" He asked as he tried to maintain a smile. "I don't get a pair?"

Dr. Royle exhaled plainly as she turned to him. "Well, Mr...?"

"Jimin," he tilted. "Park Jimin."

She huffed a smiled and joined her hands. "Of course. Mr. Park. I'm sorry but you alone gets no one to pair with as there are only ninety-nine of you."

"So only I would sit alone? Is that what you mean?"

"I apologize if it's a problem to you... but it's one we cannot solve.

Jimin looked away and huffed. "Where's my table then. I'm famished."

She glitched a nod and smiled. "Dr. Rizzle, show him to the empty table right behind."

"Of course."

Jimin sat solely. He was behind the others. He never stopped observing the room every chance he got.

"Attention," Dr. Royle started. "First of all, I want to commend each individual for becoming of a volunteer in our company. Also, appreciate you all for your patience. As you have been told already by the men and women who recommended this opportunity for you all, we would have to check to see if you're fit for our job before we can have you work, that is, volunteering isn't just enough. Each and everyone of you would be tested, but individually as we wouldn't like to make mistakes little or much, so I'd please ask for more of your patience. You would all go into the checking room according to how you're sited. If you're tested not fit for the job, there are representatives out there to help you out where your stuffs would be waiting so you could take them and leave, meaning you wouldn't be coming back in this room. However, if you are tested fit for the job," she paused and examined their expressions. "You would start... Immediately," she swallowed and pressed her lips. "For now, please help yourselves with the provisions set before you. Thank you."

Jimin pressed his lids, huffing in frustration. It seemed everyone was.

~~~

The tables were labeled with numerals boldy.

"Dr. Rizzle and Dr. Scarlett, please escort the first taker to the checking room," Dr. Royle said after listening to her pod.

The two doctors came up to the girl paring a sit with Sean.

"Let us go now, miss," Dr. Rizzle said as she motioned for her to stand.

They made it out the doors. Dr. Royle smiled and turned back to the others.

"There have been a strict order that only the senior consultant carry out this testing process... otherwise there would be several others to do so. Once again, thank you for your patience. Do enjoy your snacks."

Jimin was getting worked up about the whole thing. He didn't even know what the time was, but he knew it was supper late already. The only thing he had on was his clothes and shoes. He looked the food provided over as if it was shit.

"I thought you were famished."

He jerked a little in his spot before looking up to the voice. "I expected real food. Not junk," he lied.

Dr. Royle smiled with a tease and a hint of sarcasm. "Turns out you do not realise what junk is. Manage the water. At least there's no fake for it."

"How long have you been standing here?"

She pouted. "Why? Were you scared?"

Jimin tisked as he cussed silently. "It's not about fear... It's about trust."

She blinked. Once. Twice. Then walked away.

She knew he was right.