This morning, I woke up with a smile on my face. Today was the day Henry got to visit their lair. While we were still a million miles away from finding out the location of our loved ones, at least we'd know where they were concocting their devious strategies. It was a start that I was thankful to Henry for.
Henry acted like a jerk to me to keep our side of the plan intact. We had not spoken since that day in order to make sure there were no mistakes made. I missed having someone to talk to. I missed Sammy. I wondered what she might be going through, all the challenges she might be facing, all the misery she might be dealing with, just to save my sister Emilia. Sammy's sacrifice tortured me day and night.
It wasn't just her own life she had given up. Sammy had a complicated childhood, just like me. Her father was mostly away at seas. She hardly ever got time with him. She was raised by her mother. She was a single child and she always doted on the fact that I had siblings. She worshipped having a bigger family, and planned to make sure she would never marry a busy soul. She was certain she would have more than two kids so that they could always keep each other company. When she gave herself up for Em, she sacrificed the possibility of her dreams. She sacrificed her mother's safety and her father's schedule in order to protect Emilia. She was a hero, my hero.
Sammy had never let me wonder about anything alone. She could sense my worry, detect my anger, feel my pain and envision my dreams. We were two bodies, one soul. She saw through me and never expected anything in return. She always listened patiently without offering unsolicited advice. She was truly angelic. Her pureness was hidden under the veil of sarcasm, which is probably why the institute never noticed her. If they had seen through her, she would have been the first one to go.
It was noon time and our plan was in action. I had to go completely off the institute's radar and act like I am living my miserable life, cutting off the days in my calendar as I wait for the pain to stop. Henry on the other hand had to behave like a loyal dog to the institute. He had a tough job to do. He had to fake loyalty, imply deceit towards his friends and act like a complete jerk to me. I hoped with my fingers crossed that the institute wasn't on to us. One hint of our plan and Henry would have to face severe consequences. The price of a mistake in their language, was death.
I watched out for the vultures through the window. I saw Henry sneak out of the hostel and move towards a black sedan waiting for him. He quietly stepped in, without allowing himself to peak at me. He knew every small detail was crucial. This part of the plan had to be executed smoothly and with care or else all our loved ones could be lost forever.
It was night time already and Henry hadn't returned. I feared the worst. Assuming his absence meant loss, I mourned everyone I had ever cared about. All those innocent victims, stuck in the darkness created by the monsters; their screams surrounded me. I was lost in the tears of imagination when a loud horn woke me. The black sedan was finally here. I saw Henry get out of the car, safe and sound. I sighed with relief as I walked away from the window, pretending I hadn't seen him.
I knew I couldn't speak to Henry immediately. I waited for the clock to strike two during the darkness of the night. I opened the door to leave for Henry's room. He was already standing there with fear in his eyes.
"I have to tell you everything but you have to promise me you won't give up, no matter what", he said.
"Okay, now tell me quickly. I have been dying in suspense."
"The lair looked as if it were out of a dream. They had world class technology. They even had artificial intelligence powering their operation resiliently. It felt as if I had walked into a computer. They had the newest equipment. I assumed only government would have assets like these but I was proven wrong. The lair was powered by solar panels. When I asked them what this operation was truly for, they had a confused look on their face. I was sure Neil; they had no clue what they were doing. This is someone else's doing. They gave me a look, begging me to stop asking questions. I saw a board that read 'restricted area- for special personnel only'. I asked if we were going to go in there. They ignored my question once again. I just knew I had to go in somehow. I knew it was a risk so I decided to wait a day or two. I sat next to them as they explained to me the rules they had here. They told me that my duty was to keep an eye on the students of our institute, especially you. I had to make sure no one acted smart. I had to look for potential targets. When I asked them what kind of girls they wanted, they mocked me about my Anna. They asked me if I remembered the girl I used to hang out with when I started here and told me that she was one of the best ones they chose. They said they need smart, attractive and kind girls; the ideal woman. They asked me to keep an eye on the girls that talk to the ideal ones as well, to make sure none of this ever gets out. An evil plan is concocting, Neil. We need to figure it out. I worry for their safety. I believe none of these pawns know who the real game master is. They are all afraid, just like us."