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7

7

I nearly forgot how intimidating it could sound walking on the tiles.

The sound of our feet slapping on the ground echoed around us. The room was eerily quiet due to the little amount of people. The only other person that were in the room was a receptionist at a desk. As Finn and I walked towards her, he leaned in to my ear.

"So, what do we do now?" He whispered.

I should have probably planned this beforehand. But then a sudden thought popped into my head. I did not have the opportunity to tell him before we reached the desk.

The woman sitting there looked up at us with her lips pursed together. You couldn't miss her eyes quickly scanning the two of us.

"Is there something I can help you with?" She muttered dryly.

"I need to speak with Hudson," I said, pleased I didn't mess up my words.

Her hands tapped along the keyboard beside while she let out an audible sigh.

"Please take a seat." I could see her gritting her teeth through her smile.

The couch was stiff and rigid, not out of character for this Sector. I sat up with my back straight while Finn leaned back with his head against the wall.

"Jeez, what's up with her?" He said with a hint of frustration.

I shrugged even though I knew it was because she thinks we are wasting her time. Everything here needs to be done for a specific, necessary reason, and visits don't fit into that criteria.

Time passed by startlingly fast by the time the unforgettable face appeared through a frosted glass door. Hudson strode over to me but I could see him falter slightly at the sight of Finn. However, it didn't stop him from grinning at me and shaking my hand.

"I didn't expect to see you here, welcome back," he said with a light chuckle. His eyes crossed over to Finn as he gave him a reluctant, fast handshake.

"Hudson, could I ask you for a favour?" He looked at me with raised eyebrows and waited for me to continue.

"Would you be able to show us around a little?" Hudson's eyes widened at the thought so I had to think quickly on my feet.

"It's just that I've been missing being here," I lied sweetly.

I noticed his posture relax before he said, "Fine, a quick one."

He glanced at Finn and added in a charming voice, "But only you. I can't be bringing lots of people around the building."

Shit.

"That's okay. I'll be outside when you're done Sine," he said through tight lips before exiting at a fast pace.

My chest clenched at the thought of having to do this alone. I turned to face Hudson again as he beckoned for me to follow him deeper into the building.

*****

It feels strange to be back here. It feels like I've been gone for months but in reality, it hasn't been very long at all. It's like that I forget how it used to be here while it's all still so vivid at the same time. Hudson's voice was hushed as he pointed out different rooms in the senior section. I was not overly paying attention to what he was saying until I heard him say 'Storage Room'.