Empty City

17

I learn that Thomas doesn't know what the purpose of the Experiment is. It is kept hush-hush and not even his producer father knows. 

I learn that there are thirteen contenders for the prize, whittled from a pool of ten thousand eager participants. 

I learn that there is prize money on the line - a million dollars. Though, according to Thomas, my family fortune is worth many times that, so I didn't join for the money.

"Why did I join, then?" I ask.

A shadow crosses Thomas' face. "I don't know." 

I know he is lying. He is easy to read. I don't remember other faces, but his is a face I am familiar with. I know when he is sad, happy, and when he is lying.

He knows something about me that he won't say.

"We need to move if we're going to find the 'prize'," I say, after a day of rest and recovery. "So, do you know a way to get us out?"

He shakes his head. "No. I destroyed my entrance to make sure no one could follow me. I don't know any other entrances."

This time, I can tell he is being truthful. His plan doesn't strike me as extremely wise, but I don't comment. "So what? Is the only way out to play this twisted game and find the prize?"

"I suppose so. It might help if we made allies. Don't you think? Maybe we can look for the other contestants."

This scares me a little. "What if they aren't friendly?"

"Then we high tail out of there."

I don't prod further about our past relationship. It might bring back bad memories. In a way, I am hoping (perhaps naively) that we might get a fresh start. Though nothing Thomas does indicates that he may think the same way. Ever since his confession, he has become more distant than ever. He averts his gaze when our eyes meet. He takes care not to touch me. He has even stopped picking out snacks I might like. 

It hurts, but I cannot help but feel a little silly. We were just blasted by fiery traps, goddammit. I shouldn't be entertaining romantic notions.

When we leave the superstore, it is dawn, and it is silent except for the faraway cawing of crows. The sun slowly rises in the distance, painting the sky orange and purple. The empty city seems astonishingly beautiful. 

I wonder if I would enjoy living here, if it weren't part of a twisted game show.