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?

...

needed a moment to breathe and think. As I reached the porch, I saw him-Thomas. He was sitting on the grassy floor with a small dog curled up next to him. He looked up as I approached and gave me

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.

my

"This little guy needed some fresh air. Belongs to one

beside him, feeling the damp grass through my

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

silence for a moment and watched the dog sniff around. "Do you prefer dogs or cats?" I asked because I needed to focus on something

up. Her name was Daisy. She was my best friend. We'd go on these long walks, and she'd always listen

sounds nice,"

of myself. But I guess that's the thing about loving something or someone. You lose parts of yourself

trees. The dog

have two months left

softly. "Everyone's

me," I admitted, feeling a lump form in my throat.

eyes searched mine. "It's been a

tears. "Yeah. More than I ever thought it would

and brushed his fingers against mine. "You're stronger than you think,

spine, and for a moment, I forgot how to

about you. And I know there's something

my voice barely above a whisper. "Everyone else

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