Test Subject

Brutal Torture

There is a new message from the stranger. Though it is written on a new piece of paper since the other one is all filled up.

To answer your question, I'm sorry to say that I did go through your drawer from the closet. Had to find something to ensure that the note would not be found by anyone else. Anyway, how ya been?

Okay, yeah let's not talk about the drawer thing anymore. Not wasting time, I write back.

Alright, I think I know who you are now. Don't know how I didn't realize before. You're that blonde guy who mopped up spilled milk a few months ago. You're the guy who pushes around a laundry cart right? That is why you only write when I request clean jumpsuits. That is why you were able to find the shoe I threw down the laundry slot and you gave it back to me. You're the guy who would always look at me. Right? Why do you look at me like that?

Gotcha. I fold the note and put it into the shoe. It has to be him! He made it so obvious all along. Don't know how I never caught it! It's the blonde guy. I just know it now. This came to me when I was being escorted back and saw that guy walking down the hallway.

The next day my favorite guard comes in the take me to my training lessons with the commander. When the elevator door closes he speaks.
"I found out your age."

"Really?! So tell me," an excited tone comes out.

"How old do you think you are?" He asks.

Maybe I'm seventeen? Eighteen maybe. "Seventeen? Am I close?"

None of us look at each other. We face the elevator instead. He looks to the front while I face the back.

"You're fifty-seven years old." He turns to look at me.

What?! Fifty-seven years old?! Is this the result of an experiment they did on me? Yesterday when I saw my reflection, I looked young. Like a teenager! Have I really been here this long? This has to be the scientists work. I don't seem to age quickly! Does that mean I'll be here for several more years than a human lifespan? This is difficult to comprehend and accept. "Wha-"

He laughs "Nah, I'm just messing with you. You're not fifty-seven. You're nineteen. So you were close."

I snap at him, punching him in his arm "Why would you do that? I actually believed you! It's not funny."

"Ow," he says as he rubs his arm. He seems to try to hold in his laughter "Sorry, it's just that you are too serious sometimes. I didn't think you would fall for it. Your expression on your face looked hilarious right after I told you though. Sorry."

I roll my eyes. When you're in a place like this, age stopping or slowing down age doesn't seem so impossible.

"I'm twenty-two by the way." He states.

The elavtor comes to a stop and dings open. We both stay silent right away.

The commander scolds me at training because he thinks I asked Dr. Adams to talk to him about the other day. He insults me as usual. It sucks, but he starts giving me two minute breaks now.

Back in my cell after training and a shower, I lay in bed. My mind is blank and eventually leads me to a nice sleep.

 
A week later, after requesting for new clothes, I get them. Coming back from a small training session, a new message awaits me. I open the note.

I won't lie to you. Yeah, that's me. I'm the blonde guy with the laundry cart. That is why I only write back when you request clothes. I didn't want you to know yet, but you figured it out. My name is Lucas.

I write back.

Hi, Lucas. Are you new here? I mean if you are new here in the building. I've never seen you before just a few months ago. The guy who wears all white.