The Human Zoo (1)

Chapter 17 - Priya

Jax looked queasy as he left the den. I didn't ask where he was going because I understand the need for space more than most. Maybe it was from the muggy air or from the suffocating place that is our enclosure. Either way, eventually, you get used to it. Since I'm in a better mood than when I first entered the den, I decided to search for Ben, again. He's avoiding me.

As I step outside, I shiver. The dissipating rain has left a chill in the air but it's still warm. I'd prefer a little more than my disintegrating gray dress to cover me though. Dr. Jenkins provided me with a new one after my accident, I guess. It's technically an old one from some other animal that passed away since they won't have new ones until the fall, when they issue updated clothing. It's unfair that we receive one article of clothing, chosen by the caretakers, for the year. How refreshing it would be to obtain new clothes that fit every few months or even days. I can't imagine having more than one piece.

The cotton-like fabric blows in the soft wind, mockingly, as I look for Ben. I feel like a wedge is growing in our relationship and I don't know how to fix it. He's nowhere to be seen as I look around the enclosure. Instead, I spot Kara. I limp to her, wishing to run. My ankle has gotten stronger since the fall, but it is still weak.

"Kara, hey!" I'm cheery and sincere, for once.

"Priya! How are you, sweetie?" Sweetie? I detest nicknames.

"I have a question for ya—do you know where Ben is hiding? I've looked everywhere. He must have discovered a new place."

She frowns, her perfectly shaped lips turning down at the corners, marring her beautiful face. "Or Ben's out in the open, that last place you would look, you know? I saw him this morning. Maybe you should look in the valley. He's been spending more time there since you left."

"Oh. Well, okay, thanks."

"Oh ... and Priya?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry? For what?"

"For Ben not understanding your desire to be free ... I would've done the same thing, but I didn't have the chance to."

Her revelation takes me back, as does the fact that she's siding with me. There are a hundred thing I want to say to her but all I can muster is a firm head nod.

"Maybe next time you can take me with you," She winks at me.

"Count on it. Hey, you know what, maybe tomorrow we can pick back up on those lessons?"

"Really, Priya? You'd do that for me?" Kara's eyes start to water.

"Of course!"

"It's a date!" She starts jumping up and down.

"Great!" I squeal with giddy delight and clap my hands together. "Well then, I'm just going to go." I turn around and hastily walk away.

"Don't worry, Priya! I won't tell anyone that for once in your life you acted like a real girl!" She yells my direction.

My middle finger flies up as I continue to powerwalk away.

"There's my girl!"

***

The Valley, the lowest spot, sits right in the middle of the enclosure. It's also the most exposed, where almost anyone and everyone can see you—especially from above. I'm not surprised Ben is here; he's fully aware of my preference for solitude. Damn you, Kara.

"Ben!" I shriek, limping as quickly as possible toward him, like a scurrying spider with a broken leg.

"What?" He snaps.