Into the deep

CHAPTER 12 — What does it say

I got to my cell, waited for him to leave, and opened the letter.

What I read shocked me.

It said:

“Yes, I’m a Z-human. I can read and control minds.

Yes, I’m very scared and I want to get out of here too.

But we need to be careful.”

I froze for a second. I didn’t know what to do with the note. Was he really nice? Really on my side? Or was this a test?

I panicked and ate the paper. I know — not hygienic. But what else was I supposed to do?

A few days passed since I’d even heard someone. I was scared, but relieved. I didn’t have to deal with anyone.

I took a nap, and suddenly woke up to the sound of Katie’s voice calling for help.

I was terrified.

What had they done? I killed Katie. Did they clone her like they cloned me?

Too much was going on at once. My best friend was alive again — or at least some twisted version of her was.

I had to find out what cell she was in. I needed to see if she remembered me, even though she probably wouldn’t.

Another day or two passed — who knows anymore, there were no windows in the cells.

Suddenly I heard the door unlock. I flinched.

Oh no. More tests.

The man grabbed me, tilted my head down, and walked me out.

“Where is Katie?” I asked. “I heard her last night.”

“SHUT UP!” he yelled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. There’s no Katie in here. You killed her, remember?”

“No. I heard her. She’s my best friend. You really think I could forget her voice?”

“You’re going crazy. You were probably imagining it.”

“No. I was awake. I heard her. I know I did.”

“Didn’t I tell you to shut up?”

“You need to learn how to treat females.”

“Ha. Female? You’re no female. You’re a puppet. A test subject. A Z-human to which we do what we please.”

“Exactly. A Z-human. Be careful how you talk to me. I can end your life before you draw your next breath.”

“You really think we wouldn’t dampen your powers while you’re outside your cell?”

We got to the room.

I knew Manny could read my mind, so I thought instead of speaking out loud.

“Hey Manny,” I said in my head.

He waved back and smiled.

“He’s so handsome,” I thought accidentally.

“Oh crap — sorry, that just popped into my head…”

“It’s quite alright, Becky,” he said in my mind. “You’re very beautiful yourself.”

“You… you can speak to me like this?”

“Yes. If you’d like to.”

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to. I didn’t want to risk it.”

“It’s completely fine.”

“Um… how are you doing today?”

“I’m fine. And you?”

“A bit hungry… they haven’t given me anything.”

“Here.” He handed me a snack bar. “I saved it from lunch.”

“Aww, you’re very sweet. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome, Becky.”

“So… do you know what today’s tests are for?”

“Um, no. They don’t tell me anything. They just take me out of my cell and walk me everywhere.”

“Oh wow… okay. You’re spending the night with me. It’s a sleep test. But don’t worry — I’ll take very good care of you.”

“I know you will, Manny. I trust you.”

“Okay Becky… time to get in the machine.”