G/T Adventures

Music Box

It was a warm spring afternoon, and an older man, around sixty-nine, stood in front of a police station waiting patiently for a special guest. He wasn't sure what they would be like, all he knew was that he was one of the few to sign up for this particular role.

Approximately one week prior, five people were found locked up in a 'science' lab and were being illegally used for experiments. These people had no memory of the world outside the lab, no memory of who they really were or where they came from, and no one to turn to once they were found. As far as anyone could tell, it was possible they'd spent their whole lives locked in the tiny cells the arrested man called rooms. 

However, these people were slightly less than half a normal humans height. The bastard that was testing on them explained that it was easier to control them that way. 

This older gentleman by the name of Alexander Kris, Alex for short, had signed up to take in one of these poor people. The police had already don a full background check, house check, and even interviewed him to ensure the small person put into his care would be taken care of and learn how to adapt to the real world. 

The front double glass door pushed open, and a fully armed police officer walked out of the building with a young woman no shorter than his thighs following closely at his side. Her small blue eyes were darting about curiously, wearing a white nightgown that looked more like a hospital gown than anything. Her skin was pale, her cheeks were sunken in, and she had dark circles underneath her eyes. 

The officer smiled politely at Alex. "This is Deborah. She was one of the couple in her group that had nothing other than what she's currently wearing. However, a package will arrive at the address you provided us within two days with everything she needs. Clothing, toiletries, etc. Thank you for signing up to ensure these people had a roof over their head while they adjust to society."

Deborah eyed Alex warily, glancing at the officer who nudged her forward. "This is Alex. He will take you to a place where you will be taken care of. He's a good man. Don't worry."

Alex knelt down slowly, his older joints aching a little as he did so. "Deborah. It's nice to meet you," he extended his hand to shake hers, putting on the warmest smile he could muster. 

The small woman hesitantly reached out, her fingers wrapped around his hand and softly shaking it. "N-Nice to meet you, sir," her voice was barely above a whisper, but audible nonetheless.

Standing back up, Alex gestured in the direction of a blue car. "My car is parked over there. You can ride in the front or the back, I don't mind either way."

As he walked, he could feel her sticking close to him. 

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The car ride was almost perfectly silent besides a sharp gasp from the girl every time the car went over a large bump.

When they arrived at his small condo, Alex helped her out of the car and escorted her into his home. "Here we are. Would you like me to show you around? To your room maybe?" He asked carefully, turning to look at her. 

Seeing she was hesitant, he offered her another warm smile. "Don't worry. The room is nothing like what I heard you had before."

Deborah fiddled with her long brown hair but nodded reluctantly. She followed, her eyes wandering over everything in a childlike curiosity. Before they even arrived in another room, she stopped and picked up an old music box from a shelf and tucked it under one arm, grabbing his hand to stop him. "Wh-What's this?"

Alex turned around and recognized the gold-trimmed ivory box immediately. "Oh, that was my wife's. Would you like me to show you?" 

Deborah nodded and held it out to him to take. She watched closely as he wound the key and opened the lid, the tiny ballerina inside twirling slowly to a gentle lullaby. Her eyes widened in glee and fascination, her finger reaching out and delicately touching the little dancer inside. "I-It's pretty."

"Yes, it is..." Alex watched the spinning ballerina then looked at Deborah. "Would you like to put this in your room?" 

Lifting her head, she gave a quick nod. "C-Can I?"

"Sure you can." He closed the lid and hed it out to her, smiling as she tucked it back under her arm to carry. 

Alex led her to a room he'd done up for a guest, the bed lined with warm, soft blankets, a small radio with different music CD's beside it, the window blinds strings extended so his little guest could operate them as they wished. 

"Th-This is a lot nicer than my old room, b-back with Mr. Garrison," Deborah spoke softly, reaching up and placing the music box on the nightstand. 

Alex could see just how malnourished and frail she was with how her arms shook simply by moving the box. Her arms he finally noticed had bandages, bruises, and needle marks scattered about on them. His heart ached for her. "Well, I'd hope so. And if you need anything at all, let me know, okay Deborah?"

"I-I saw someone do this at the police station, a-and it looked nice," she whispered, going over and wrapped her thin arms around his legs, hugging him. 

Alex smiled gently and reached down, lightly hugging back. "It's a hug. And it is nice. How about I go get you some warm soup?"

Deborah didn't respond besides a small nod, crawling into the large bed that she could call her own. She watched the older man leave the bedroom and laid on the soft covers, curling into herself. 

By the time Alex returned with a warm bowl of chicken soup, the small female had already fallen asleep on the bed. He again smiled and shook his head.

He was just happy to be able to help.