Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 71

(Angel's POV)

The news hit us during breakfast. Another inspection was coming. This time it wasn't just a routine check for contraband or monitoring behavior. It was about "mental stability and compliance." The doctors would interview each of us one-on- one and dig into our minds, looking for any signs of resistance or disobedience. Anyone who didn't meet their standards could be transferred to the restricted wing-where people went in but rarely came out. "Great," Hande muttered in frustration as she pushed her food around with her fork. "As if we needed more reasons to stress out."

Cylan nodded with a tense expression. "This could ruin everything. If they find out we've been snooping, we're done for."

A cold chill ran down my spine. This inspection could destroy everything. The journal, our escape plans-everything we've been working towards could be gone in an instant. I needed air and had to clear my head. "I'll be back," I muttered and stood up from the table.

"Angel, where are you going?" Hande called after me, but I was already out the door.

The center's grounds were quiet as I walked. The wind rustled the trees and somewhere in the distance, I heard the faint sound of a bird chirping, but it did nothing to calm my nerves.

I was lost in my thoughts when I saw her-Dr. Nixon. She stood by the garden and looked out over the flowers like she was lost in her own world.

"Enjoying the morning?" she asked without even looking at me.

I hesitated. "Something like that."

Dr. Nixon turned her head just enough for me to see the corner of her smile. "You should be ready, Angel. Things are going to change soon." "Change?" I asked as my heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

She shrugged a little and kept her eyes on the flowers. "You'll see. Just be prepared."

Before I could ask anything else, she walked away, leaving me even more confused. What was coming? And why did it feel like I was running out of time?

...

As I reached the porch, I saw him-Thomas. He was sitting on the grassy floor with a small

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.

shook my

the dog. "This little guy needed

beside him, feeling the

I can tolerate around here," Thomas replied with a chuckle. "He

sat in silence for a moment and watched the dog sniff around. "Do you prefer dogs or cats?" I asked because I

"I had a golden retriever growing up. Her name was Daisy. She was my best friend. We'd go

nice," I

like I lost a piece of myself. But I guess that's the thing about

wind rustling through the trees. The dog

we only have two months left

he replied softly. "Everyone's

admitted, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I've just been... drifting, I

and his eyes searched mine. "It's been

tears. "Yeah. More than I ever thought it

brushed his fingers against mine. "You're

down my spine, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. "Thomas," I whispered, "why do you

I can't help it. I care about you. And

my voice barely above a whisper. "Everyone

smile. "I'm just me. And I want to be here for you, if you'll let