Emoni McLaris

Chapter Eight: Andy

Someone new. Just as abruptly as a glimmer of hope sparks in me, it dies. This very well could be my saviour, or the Devil. The indistinct and unfamiliar silhouette enters my cell apprehensively.

"I was sent by the Master Doctor to examine your psychological state." Says the androgynist in front of me.

"Who are you?" I venture. My voice is a rough whisper.

"The Master Doctor calls me by 'Andy.'" Good to know.

Staring at me that way, I feel lighter than a feather. My muscles aren't so tight and I don't have a hint of a headache. I feel sleepy, but good sleepy; not drowsy or tired, just really blissful.

"I heard you screaming." Andy says softly. "I'm sorry but I cannot yet do anything to help you. I am a slave here, as trapped as you are."

I know that this is supposed to be sad news, but right now I'm just so happy that I'm not in the company of Silent Man. Andy's presence makes me feel safe and happy. I laugh in spite of everything and Andy looks shocked.

"Humans are strange indeed." They remark.

"...Yeah, I guess we are." I giggle. "Can you tell me why I feel so good right now?"

Andy smiles the slightest little smile I've ever seen, which makes my heart fill with longing and my stomach with butterflies. I sigh contentedly.

Walking up close to me-so close to me, I hear a whisper; "I'm so sorry, but you just have to hold on another week. We'll get you out of here."

As Andy turns to leave, I blurt;

"Andy, why are you leaving? Stay with me, this is nice."

"I know." The door closes and I'm left alone in this prison again, alone with my own sadness.

W-was I dreaming? That feeling of euphoria that I had just floated in, was that real? The absence of that happiness is startling, so much so that it's almost like the doom and gloom of my new home is shocking my system; I feel myself shaking.

I can't breathe.

I'm hyperventilating.

Oh no, not an anxiety attack, of all things, now, of all times.

***

Before I even open my eyes I feel...safe.

Peeking through my eyelashes, I see the Silent Man preening over his torture tools. I wonder what he'll use on me next. He's not even looking at me, too busy enjoying himself. The sadistic bastard.

"How long will this take?" A toneless, yet comforting, disembodied voice calls out. "Master Doctor wants to know when he can proceed with his plans." Andy?

The Silent Man grunts as a reply.

"Now, now, Sir, that's not an answer."

The Silent Man stands tall, attempting to intimidate Andy.

"Tell him I'll be done when I'm done." Holy shit he can talk!? I'm unsure if this makes me less or more terrified of him.

"You're lucky you're his only child. He wouldn't care at all about you if you had wandered in off the streets. Or, out of the woods."

Damn! The Silent Man is Haycinth's kid?

He spins around sharply, scaring me, I gasp. "SHE'S AWAKE!" he yells, a deep growl.

"Oh, she's awake. She's been awake for the last 10 minutes, listening." How did Andy know?

No-longer-Silent-Man punches my side and I wheeze. A warm ache grows from where his fist impacted my ribs, I'm just grateful he didn't have those damn knuckle busters on. I wince as the thought reminds me of the wound left from that one on my back.