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FERSIA WAS RESTLESS. CHARLIE had come to the lab last night to tell her he couldn’t stop by anymore. She’d spent the evening alone and she was tired of reading, tired of sitting while Jocko got sicker and sicker. She was glad he’d stopped puking but now he slept, still as the dead. She placed her ear by his mouth and a faint whisper of breath caressed her cheek. She buried her head on the bed next to him and sobbed.
“I’m so sorry, Jocko.” She kissed his cheek and he whimpered slightly. She wanted to go back in time and never come to this place.
The door opened and McBrid came in carrying their breakfast. Her eyes darted to the cage door as he unlocked it. She could get past McBrid, but she wouldn’t get out of the building.
“How is he today?” McBrid closed the door and put the tray on the table.
“Sleeping. He hasn’t woken up at all.” She touched Jocko’s face and he moaned as if her gentle caress caused him pain.
“That’s normal.” McBrid sat down. “Come eat.”
She moved to the table, her eyes darting to the door again. She could ask Charlie to help her escape. They could get his brother and the three of them could run away. Jocko groaned as if sensing her thoughts. She sat down, staring at her plate of sausages and toast. She couldn’t leave Jocko. It was her fault he was here.
“Are you feeling okay?” McBrid watched her closely.
“Yeah.” She picked up a piece of sausage and bit into it. It was dry and tasteless.
“Are you sure? You don’t seem okay.”
“Just sad about Jocko.” And the fact that she was stuck here.
“He’ll be better soon. I promise.” He put his sausages on her plate and took her toast.
“Thanks.” It was nice of him, but the sausage was gross too.
“I brought you a couple of new books.” He picked up his satchel.
“Thank you,” she mumbled. Even books weren’t enough to brighten her mood today.
“There’s one on ancient legends and myths.”
“Oh.”
“I know fiction isn’t your favorite but this book explains the history behind the legends.”
“I’m sure it’s great.” She forced a smile. “But I’m tired.”
“Then you should rest.” He finished his toast and stood. “I’ll see you at lunch.”
She nodded and crawled into bed with Jocko. She’d never been so sad and tired in her life. She wanted to see her mom. She couldn’t stay here. She’d find a moment when they were alone and she’d ask Charlie to help her escape. She buried her head in the pillow next to Jocko, careful not to touch him. It was her fault he was sick, but she had to leave. She had to.