Hear Me

9

9

       

It must have been an important day for me to be in Government for this appointment. The walk up to the building should have been simple. But instead it was one of the most difficult things I'd ever done. My heart tightened with every step while blood pulsed in my ears. Darkness crept around the edge of my vision. Squeezing my eyes shut momentarily, I willed it away. But as the blackness of the back of my eyelids flashed in front of me, I could see a pool of blood swirling at my feet. Quickly I opened my eyes and shrunk beside Hudson.

"Everything alright Sine?" he murmured, glancing at me.

I nodded silently, fearful to open my mouth because of the nausea rocking my body. The cool gust of air that hit me as we entered the building felt like a slap across the face. The sparkling clean walls and floors contorted to become splattered with blood. My ears were attacked with sounds of guns screaming and panting breaths.

Swallowing my breath, I dropped my view to my feet and tried to ignore the taunting screams of pain.

Not real. Not real.

I could feel my knuckles turn white as I clasped on tighter to Hudson. He shifted slightly under my grip before his hand covered mine, guiding me along.

*****

My throbbing heart managed to slow slightly. The room was deathly silent while I awaited the arrival for yet more people. After being poked and prodded, my skin felt horrible to my own touch. I shuffled in my seat as I felt panic begin to surge inside of me. A shaky breath escaped my lips while my focus targeted my hands. Their once youthful smoothness had withered. Instead it was replaced with the faint mark of old callouses across my palms. I scratched at them, picking away at the tough skin. They used to be tougher. By the feel I could tell they wouldn't last a moment faced against a physical task. A sudden coldness fluttered across my palm. The cold metal feel sent a shiver down my spine. Spots of red dropped into my vision. Just as a sickened feeling swirled in my stomach, the door snapped open. A rare glimmer of relief ran through me as the spots vanished instantly. Hudson shuffled in with a white coat draped across his shoulders. In his arms rested a bundle of papers. He dropped them beside me before turning to face me.

"I need to take some notes about your medication."

I furrowed my brow. We live together. What does he need to know that he doesn't already? Hesitantly, I nodded my head.

"How has your energy levels been? Your strength?"

"Low. It's hard for me to do much on my own." My voice was laced with confusion.

Keen to shake off the strange sensation, I stated, "You know all of this."

He eyed me in silence. Without breaking his gaze, he continued with his questions. "What do you think is causing it?"

What is he talking about? "I don't know."

He took in a deep breath before saying slowly, "Be careful with your dosage. Don't take too much."

His eyes darted to the door.

"I need to consult with some of the others. Wait here and I'll be back in a few minutes to send you home. I'll join you later on."

His tone had changed as he pronounced his words clearer. He spoke as if he didn't think I could understand him. Anger pinched my stomach as he gathered his papers and hurried from the room. My body may be weak but my mind is not.

I leaned back against the wall. As I raised my arms to cross them, one brushed off something. Hudson forgot some of his files. I picked them up and started to flick at their pages. What is up with Hudson today? He isn't usually so forgetful.

I froze

He isn't being forgetful. He's doing this on purpose. He's leaving them behind for a reason. For me.

My breathing hitched in my throat. Suddenly, sounds of footprints started outside of the room.

Hurry.

Scrabbling at my clothes, I tucked the bundle of papers into the waistband of my trousers. As I flattened my shirt, the door clicked open to show Hudson and my guard waiting. Hudson's eyes locked with mine as he asked, "Ready to leave?"

Silently, I nodded and carefully walked to the door. My breathing came out slow and heavy while I internally pleaded with the papers not to crinkle loudly. I strained my ears to listen out for any sounds that would give me away. The heaviness of my chest lessened when I reached the door and wasn't greeted by anyone stopping me. Afraid to catch Hudson's eye again, I kept my sight stuck to the ground and willed the journey home to pass quickly.

       

*****

I let out a sigh of relief as the front door shut behind me. Finally. I snatched the newly crinkled papers as I scurried to the table. Throwing myself into a seat, the papers spread out across the table. Picking one at random, I held one up to my face.

Beth Louis - Assessment File

My eyes widened and the air in my throat stopped.

Taken as prisoner of Government during raid. Cerebral manipulator implanted.

Current Status: Released

Beth. She's alive.

Clutching the sheet to my chest, I grappled for another.

Emily Saunders - Assessment File

Taken as prisoner of Government during raid. Cerebral manipulator implanted.

Current Status: Returned to sector

Emily. My vision blurred. The paper scrunched as I forced it to join the other. Another sheet, I need another.

Sam Collins - Assessment File

Taken as prisoner of Government during raid. Cerebral manipulator implanted.

Current Status: Returned to sector

A small cry escaped my lips. My cheeks damped.

Finn Cantrell - Assessment File

Taken as prisoner of Government during raid. Cerebral manipulator implanted.

Current Status: Returned to sector

My body collapsed. My head rested on the table while I hugged the pieces of paper. Their roughness caressed my face. I couldn't move. All I was capable of was weeping. Breaths tore out of me, burning like fire. They're alive. They're alive.

They're alive.