It was 1 in the morning when I got back home. The house was silent, and the sound of water droplets came from the kitchen. I walked behind the island to turn the knob of the sink and over to the fridge to pour out a cup of water. As it streamed into the cup I looked over the assortment of drawings, magnets, and photographs. There were family photos that I would have loved to keep with me, except that I always had a stoic face in them.

I got to work by taking a few things out of the cupboards to make breakfast for my family. It was all right if they woke up to a cold meal, I thought. It wouldn't matter at all. They wouldn't be here anymore when I leave.

I placed 4 plates on the island with all the drinks of their preference and washed out a vase of flowers to put in the center. I stood back to look at all my work. It was almost time by now. A soft knock comes from my door, and I open it without a thought.

Ax greets me quietly and steps inside, with a tray of cookies. I asked where he got it from, and he replied, " It's best you didn't know..." So I didn't question him further.

I guided Ax to a seat at the end of the island, where there was a plate of extra food.

"What would you like to drink?" I asked.

" Just water would be fine," I took his cup and started to pour water from a jug.

I sat down at my designated chair, and then I waited for my family. Or maybe I was waiting for something else. "Whenever you're ready," Ax says.

I close my eyes and start to sort through the blur.

***

"Is it just me, or something's off?" A short security guard said to his colleague as they watched the eighteen screens facing the natural humanoid. For the past week, a scheduled stirring occurs in the containment room. It's such a hassle, having to check her vitals and use proper security measures to stop the alarms from going off. The late doctor's son guaranteed that it was a normal occurrence for humanoids at the age, something about being more restless during humanoid puberty or something like that. But how much nonsense are you willing to believe from a 17-year-old?

" I'm trying to say, isn't it odd that the humanoid keeps stirring these days? Not even on time. What would we do if she drops dead, or actually wakes up?" he said.

The taller security guard took a sip of coffee. " So what? The higher-ups can cry all they want because their little humanoid slaves won't grow in number." They sat in silence for a few more moments, because they knew the consequences would be much, much worse.

The shorter guard sighed deeply. " I just wanna get a better job already."

The taller guard nodded in agreement. Their handheld devices started to vibrate. They both let their devices light up in the room, creating two holograms with a blinking message. " That teenager again... at least I get off duty."

They stood from their chairs and left the viewing room. Just as the doors closed, the humanoid's eyes slowly opened. 

End of Arc 1.