Daytime classes went on as usual. Some kids practiced with spinning tops; the youngest crawled across the floor chasing toy cars. Others played chess, while a few trained with the hated slots and red circles. I sat at a table, drawing. I didn't even know what—something shapeless, formless. Something that mirrored how I felt inside.
Over and over, I glanced at the clock above the large mirror. Just a couple of minutes until three. I exhaled, trying to calm my wildly pounding heart.
The door creaked open, and Dad walked in. As always—gray suit, confident stride. My eyes widened in fear. He quickly scanned the room… and headed toward another boy. I shuddered. Dodged a bullet—this time.
Dad whispered something to him, and together they left the rainbow room. I looked back at the clock. Less than a minute. Time to begin.
I stood up from the table. My legs trembled. My heart was about to burst from my chest. Staggering slightly, I approached the guard on duty.
— I… I'm dizzy… — I stammered. No acting required—I really felt sick with fear.
— Dizzy? — the black guard repeated.
— Yes… And… my head hurts. The light… it hurts.
The guard pursed his lips sympathetically, sighed, and tilted his head.
A few seconds later, he was waddling down the corridor. I followed behind, slower, constantly glancing back. Okay… Just a little more… Now.
I slowed down, nearly stopped. Perfect… He didn't notice…
I began backing away, careful not to make a sound. Finally, the unsuspecting guard turned the corner and disappeared. I bolted in the opposite direction.
My legs wobbled, but I kept moving. Escape… Escape from this hell!
At the end of another corridor, a red sign glowed warmly: «exit». Almost there. I quickly pulled the white card from my shoe and swiped it sharply across the reader. The light changed from red to green. I pushed the door open with my shoulder, stepping into another corridor—closer to freedom now.
There—stairs. Just a little further…
The boiler room. The final stretch.
I slowed my pace, scanning the area. Where's he?
Suddenly, steam shot out from somewhere with a loud hiss. I jumped like a startled rabbit, jerking sideways—and bumped straight into someone. Barely breathing from terror, I spun around. No need to fear. It was him.
— Quiet, — he whispered, pressing a finger to his lips. — Follow me.
He beckoned me and strode off briskly. Hesitating for just a second, I followed.
He crouched by a metal grate, grabbed it, and carefully—almost silently—removed it. I knelt beside him. Behind it lay a pipe—black, narrow. Just right for a small girl. But…
— It'll be a bit scary in there, — he said, peering into the pipe. — But you can crawl through under the fence and reach the forest.
I slowly turned my head.
— But… you won't fit.
He looked at me—calmly, one eye slightly squinted, partially hidden by thick, fluffy strands of light-blond hair framing his pale face. He was so close I could hear his steady, unruffled breathing.
Smiling gently, he took my hand and covered it with his left palm. A strange warmth spread through me—odd, but comforting. Almost pleasant.
— You'll go alone.
I frowned.
— I didn't call this place a prison for nothing. Everyone here is a prisoner. Not just you. — He shook his head sadly. — Not just your brothers and sisters. The guards, the staff… all of them.
I lowered my gaze. He still held my hand, trembling slightly with anxiety.
— And me, — he sighed.
I stared at him in silence.
— Here.
He tilted his head slightly, removed his left hand from mine—keeping hold with his right—gathered the hair at the back of his neck, and carefully guided my fingers along his neck.
— Feel that?
I felt something hard beneath his skin. Something unnatural. Something that shouldn't be there.
— Dad implanted this thing in me. It weakens me… tracks me. Even if I escape, he'll find me. And if he finds me, he'll find you too.
I took several deep breaths. There was a way out.
— What if I take it out of you?
He lifted his head. His eyes lit up with hope.
— You helped me. Now I'll help you.
The corner of his lips curled into a soft, joyful smile, and his eyes crinkled with gratitude.