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8

8

I assumed sleeping would help take away the bewilderment I felt. It didn't.

Everyone was already dressed and that's I remembered. Today is Visiting Day. Shooting out of the bed, I hastily pulled on some nearby clothes. Everyone seemed to have taken extra time to get ready for the occasion. I watched the people around me dance around with anticipation while envy poured into my stomach. Why do I have to be like this? I kept my head down in shame. Why can't I just be excited like the rest of them instead of being shook with nerves? I fell into line with the others leaving the room. The boy I happened to end up walking beside exposed a gleeful grin.

"This is going to be great!" He chirped with uncontainable delight. Ignoring the growing bulge in my throat, I nodded along with him. Today was definitely going to be, eventful.

*****

I don't think the canteen has ever been so empty. On any other day, it was full to the brim with a rotating group of hungry people. But currently, it's only occupants were six little clusters. Within moments, I felt the rush of air beside me as everyone darted off towards their guests. My eyes scanned the room. I spotted Emily engulfed in the arms of what I assume were her parents. Several smaller children clung to her legs. In fact, when I looked at any group, I saw the same thing. Parents and children expressing affection to one of my roommates.

Then, my eye caught hold of the two lone adults that were stood down the walkway. As I strode towards them, a little glimmer of hopefulness bounced in my chest. But I could feel my newfound confidence withering away. It was as if I was shrinking back into the stature of a small child in their presence. My gaze first fell on my father's face. He looked, older. Neither of the two said anything as I stood in front of them.

"Hello," I said, trying to keep my voice from wobbling. I wondered if my greeting from my parents would be similar to those around me.

"It is nice to see you, Sine," Dad said before him and Mom sat down at the table. The hope in me died down instantly. Silently, I slid down onto the bench opposite them.

"How is everything back home?" Huh, I think that's the first time I've called it 'home'.

"Very good. Your father and I had dinner with the Balker's a few days ago. Hudson is starting to be trained in our department. It is quite a shame that you were assigned a different Sector, he seems to be missing you," Mom responded. They think Hudson's missing me? What about them? I scolded myself for having such childish thoughts.

"It is unfortunate," I mumbled under my breath, then realising my mistake.

"Don't mutter. Don't forget what we have instilled in you." Did she mean them two or Science as a whole?

What they asked next made my heart come to a standstill.

"How is your medication going?" Think fast.

"Fine, no changes," I lied, hiding any indicators.

"Changes?" Dad quizzed.

"I was afraid the stress of the move might effect it but it didn't." I'm getting good at thinking on my feet. He nodded, accepting my answer.

"Have you been taking them regularly? Are you running low on them?" Mom questioned. 

"Yes, the same I have always done. And, no." My stomach turned while I lied but I kept my face relaxed. She then reassured me that a supply of the tablets will be delivered before they do run out.