Caged

12 - Spin

And we’re all done just like that. All of us, confusedly pacing the long hall, asking each other what the hell just happened.

A hand grabs my shoulder and whips me around.

“Was that not the creepiest thing that has ever happened to you?”

It’s Elena, with Gray. I nod, shuddering at the memory.

“I just don’t get it,” Atlas says, his voice carrying through his distance as he moves to shorten it.

“I think I know,” Dalton says from behind me.

I’m beginning to think this is going to be a regular thing –– everyone having to put a word in right after the other, everyone sneaking up behind me and around me as they do so.

“How?” Columbus appears behind Elena, driving my theory along and almost making me laugh.

“Did you see a quick glimpse of everything you’ve seen during Testing?” Dalton asks the air.

We all slowly nod as though we’re trying to figure out what Dalton is thinking before he can tell us.

“Maybe they’re trying to get insight on what we’re seeing––”

“What the cameras don’t catch,” Atlas finishes for him.

“Cameras?” Columbus asks.

I remember now that Atlas and I were the only ones to get pulled into Mr. Medium’s office, and probably the only ones who were told that we’re being filmed.

Atlas explains, and Columbus shakes his head like he thinks it’s sick.

I’m thinking about Dalton’s theory when the words slip from my mouth: “What the Listeners don’t hear.”

This I know none of them know about. Or at least I think so. I didn’t tell anyone about meeting my Listener, so maybe no one told me.

“There are people,” I start before anyone can start asking. But I picture Carissa right now, listening in to me saying this, ratting her and everyone out. And I think about all of their Listeners.

“People . . .?” Dalton urges.

I mouth They’re listening.

“What?” Atlas asks quizzically. “Lark-sea?”

“They’re listening,” Elena admonishes. She covers her mouth with her hands. “Oh I wasn’t supposed to––”
I flick my hand as to say it’s okay. As long as I didn’t say it, it’s not on my record.

I shiver at how selfish that thought was.

I think about how I’ve forgotten what Phase we’re in. Did I pass into Phase 2? Is this Phase 2? Why are there so little people in the hall?

“Wait,” I say, scanning my surroundings. “How many people are here?”

Dalton, the tallest of all of us, looks around. “I’d say a little over 100?”

“Was that the test into Phase 2?” I ask the air. No one answers, everyone is just looking. Looking around, trying to see who is still here.

Although I haven’t branched out much from the people right before me, I notice some faces that I’ve seen in elevators, and I notice the absence of other faces.

No one will answer my question, because I don’t think anyone has the answer.

“What season is it?” Elena asks randomly, and Damara, who was eavesdropping from behind her, turns around to scoff at Elena, brown hair hitting Columbus’ shoulder as she spins on her heel.