“The other side of the glass” (asmilinggirl11)
( asmilinggirl11 )
Benjamine had been charting the progress of this particular specimen for weeks now. It wasn’t as long as others he had dealt with in the past, but the very slight changes made any progress seem like a fantasy. “Good morning, Ina,” he greeted, wondering if the specimen would reply this time. All other attempts so far were failures, yet he continued every morning to greet her and hold one-sided conversations.
Ina stirred slightly as she was put back in her room, watching as the guard removed all the little prizes she had obtained for her good behavior. She whimpered, but didn’t move. It wasn’t until they had left with it all and locked the door that Ina drowsily removed the fairytale book from under her flat pillow and hugged it to her chest. She didn’t mean for this to happen…
Benjamin returned almost two hours later, his posture stiff and upright, and a company-approved grin on his face. “Apologies for earlier!” He chirped, glancing down at the book. He almost softened, but then returned to his ridged stature. “How are you feeling, Ina?”
The little girl flinched when she saw his posture and smile. “…my head hurts. And I’m sleepy and feel sick…” she replied softly, holding the book tighter.
He watched her grip tighten, well aware that he was probably making her uneasy. He wish he didn’t have to… “Well, tranquilizers will do that! Especially to someone of your size!” He bit his tongue on the second part. They had rehearsed it with him, but he refused to say it. She didn’t deserve that.
“…I’m sorry for trying to leave…” she whispered softly. “I won’t ever again…” Ina pushed herself up to a sitting position, still hugging her book. “…can I have water…?”
Ben laughed, but it didn’t sound right. “I’m sure you won’t!” He paused. “Water? Yeah, I can get you water.” He turned on his heel and walked out, but left the door unlocked. Understand me, he thought, glancing over his shoulder. I’ll protect you.
Ina waited to hear the click of the door so she could relax, but it didn’t come. Her eyes widened, and she hesitated before getting out of the bed. Taking a deep breath, she got out of the bed and walked slowly to the door, using her free hand to open it and step out cautiously into the hallway.
Ben had dropped a slip of paper in the hall, knowing he was the only one who wandered down that way to see Ina. “There’s a maintenance hall down to your right. I unlocked it. It should lead you outside, where a close friend of mine will be waiting. You deserve better.” His signature was the exact same as on her charts.
She shuffled forward, slowly picking up the paper and making out the words. Looking up again, she held the paper tightly and tried to move faster to the maintenance hall.
Was she really going to leave? Were her powers going to allow her to live normally outside of the building? Or would another ‘incident’ occur?
Ben tucked himself away in a bathroom stall, pulling his feet up. He’d wait ten minutes. He wouldnt mention anything unusual to his supervisor. Even if he did get caught, it didn’t matter so long as Ina was free, powers or no. He trusted his friend to take good care of her until she was safe.
The incident…people dead…it made her stop, biting her lip and trying to be e what was the best solution. Leave and risk hurting more people? Or stay and be miserable? Was there even a third option?
Find Ben. He said before that he could help, and if she was with him, she knew that she wouldn’t be a danger.
The ten minutes were passing too slowly. He crept back out of the bathroom, starting toward the maintenance hall once again, hoping to see Ina had gone safely. Finding her still there was...an unexpected surprise. "Ina," he whispered, stepping closer. He fought for words for a moment, before simply sighing. "...why didn't you go?"
