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?

...

night, after everyone else went to bed, I slipped outside. I needed a moment to breathe and think. As I reached the porch, I saw him-Thomas. He was sitting on the grassy floor with

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.

shook my head.

toward the dog. "This little guy needed some

I asked and sat down beside him,

can tolerate around here," Thomas replied with a chuckle. "He doesn't treat

sniff around. "Do you prefer dogs or

dogs. Definitely," Thomas answered and his eyes lit up. "I had a golden retriever growing up. Her name was Daisy. She was my best friend. We'd go on these long walks, and she'd always listen to

sounds nice,"

lost a piece of myself. But I guess

wind rustling through the trees. The dog suddenly barked and ran off,

only have two months left

softly. "Everyone's been

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

and his eyes

blinked back tears. "Yeah. More than

against mine. "You're stronger than you think,

sent a shiver down my spine, and for a moment, I forgot how

it. I care about you. And I know there's something between you and Hendrix. I'm not stupid. But I don't judge you

voice barely above a whisper.

just me. And I want to be here for you, if you'll let me. No