Six PM.
Isabella appeared in the hallway. "Dinner."
Atlas emerged from his room.
Isabella went to the girl's room. "Stand. Follow."
The girl stood. Followed.
Isabella led them to a small dining area. Table set for three. Simple food—roasted chicken, vegetables, bread.
"Sit," Isabella said.
They sat. The girl across from Atlas. Isabella at the head of the table.
"We'll eat together every night," Isabella said. "Same time. Same place. Routine begins now."
She placed a plate in front of the girl. "Eat."
The girl stared at the plate.
"Eat," Isabella repeated.
Slowly, the girl picked up a fork. Took a bite. Chewed. Swallowed.
Mechanically. Like a robot going through motions.
But she ate.
"Good," Isabella said. "You remember how. Body memory intact."
She turned to Atlas. "You'll
