Hear Me

13

13

Once the door clicked open again, a cloud of fresh air flooded into the van. Instantly, my lungs seemed to lighten. The journey had been silent until the door opened. Dee stood up and hopped out. I raised myself but my legs shook underneath me, making it difficult to walk. My hands clawed at the walls and Dee reached out and grabbed hold of me. With her help, I crept out of the back of the van. The sun instantly blinded me. I shielded my eyes before gazing around. It was quiet. The only sound was the distant noise of plants shifting around. I couldn't see anyone else, they all must be working.

"Come on Sine, let's go inside," Dee whispered in my ear. Nodding, I let her lead me inside while I rested on her.

Our footsteps echoed on the floors of the building as I was brought around different corridors.

"I have had someone prepare a room for you before we arrived. For the moment, you should rest there."

The tremors that started in my legs had grown up my legs and made their way into the rest of my body. All of my energy was gone, I had barely enough to nod.

Dee pushed a door open, revealing a tiny cupboard-like room. There was barely enough space to fit a bed and a small chest of drawers.

"I know it's a bit small, but it'll do."

Her grip on me loosened as she let me slide onto the bed. My body sank into it while I sighed contently. She murmured something about coming back later with food before disappearing out the door, shutting it behind her. My eyelids instantly became heavy and let me disappear into darkness.

*****

The next time my eyes opened, my body felt revitalised. The achy tired feeling disappeared, letting me lie relaxed in the bed. I could feel the fresh air of the Charity compound seeping in through the walls. My mind was free to roam through my thoughts.

I'm free. I'm not under anyone's control anymore. My mind fleeted back to my morning routine. No more medication.

A small sigh escaped my lips as relief surged inside of me. To have no one watching over you, felt nice.

My attention was snapped away by the sound of approaching footsteps. I sat up straight as the door opened and a girl walked in shyly. Her appearance seemed familiar but I wasn't able to immediately able to give her a name. In her arms she held a tray.

"I have some food for you," she murmured softly as she placed it on my lap. The bowl of fruit made my mouth start to water. Immediately, I dived into the bowl. As I did, the girl sat down at the end of the bed. I kept an eye on her as I devoured the food. My eyes searched over her to try and jog my mind until a name popped up. Aya. The girl who helped me the first time I was here.

Swallowing the last piece of food, I said, "Thank you, for the food."

She smiled with tight lips before sucking them back in. "You look so different from the last time you were here."

I knew by her face that she meant for the worse. A silence fell over the room for a few moments. Aya's hand stretched out to rest on my leg.

"Dee filled me in on everything. I'm sorry. It must have all been extremely difficult for you, but things will be better here. You don't need to worry about anything."

I didn't know I was tense until she told me not to worry and I relaxed my back. Her eyes softened as she patted my legs.

"I heard that people will be playing music tonight, if you'd like to come with me."

I sucked in a deep breath. This is my new life, time to get used to it. Nodding, I shifted myself out of the bed.