I laid in the hospital bed trying to ignore my throbbing arm. The tv only provided three channels. The news, sports, and a Spanish soap opera. I sighed. The surgery was supposed to be today but some politician had taken my spot. And what’s a fractured arm compared to a heart failure? At least they gave me worker’s comp. As if the job wasn’t already killing my brain cells. Laughter echoed through the open window. And I looked down into the enclosed courtyard. Three girls were running around, they’re hospital gowns more like dresses on their small frames. The gowns were a different color from what I’d seen here too. All the other patients wore boring green ones. But the ones these girls wore were red. I tried to get a better look but the IV started to pull at my arm. I hissed at the sting but it was nothing compared to my fracture. But for one brief moment those girls had made me forget. So, I grabbed the IV stand and left the room. The courtyard wasn’t too far and I could use the fresh air. The nurses paid me no mind, too busy gossiping about the political patient. It was all too easy to take the elevator down a floor. And from there I just had to follow the sound of laughter. I made it outside and sat on a bench. Upon closer inspection it seemed that the girls were closer to my age. But something had stunted their growth. They were like children as they ran and giggled. But the black girl spotted me and walked over. “Do you want to play.” I motioned to my cast. “I wish I could.” She touched the cast with light fingers. “Did you get shot?” “Of course not.” I cleared my throat as my voice echoed in the courtyard. “It was an accident at work.” “Did you catch the guy who did it then?” “No one did this. An assembly line machine just chewed up my arm a bit.” “But did you get the job done?” I blinked. “Ok you lost me. What job are you even talking about?” Her hand flew to her lips. “You’re right. I shouldn’t talk about it.” The blonde and brunette quickly joined us. Both of them gawked at me. But it was the blonde that touched my hospital gown. “This green is perfect with your hair.” “Thanks.” I touched the red curls I’d been forced to cut short the day I got kicked out. Not that my hair had gotten me much cash. Kinda think of it the girls had similar cropped hair. It made them look oddly uniform. They all stood the same too. Like soldiers waiting for orders. “I can’t wait to graduate to green,” The brunette said. The sentence made no sense. What were they graduating from in a hospital? “What do you mean graduate?” The gave each other a look I didn’t understand. But the black girl spoke up. “It means we want to be just like you.” “But you don’t even know me.” They couldn’t know how horrible my life had become. To get a factory job at 16 when most kids worried about school. Even getting kicked out the orphanage to make room for the new kids. Hell, I fought with my landlord everyday to keep the rent the same for the cramped space in her attic. The crazy old witch. Why would they ever want to be like me? “That’s the point.” The blonde said, confusing me even more. “You’re…” The black girl glared at her before she could say more. “What she means is that the best are never really known. That’s what makes you so professional.” I blinked at her. “You’ve lost me.” Before they could respond a nurse appeared. Or at least I thought she was a nurse. She didn’t dress in scrubs like the others I’d seen. No she looked like the type of nurse you’d see on an old show. She was in a white dress uniform with that funny little hat with the Red Cross. She didn’t even spare me a glance as the girls lined up in front of her. After a once over she nodded and they followed her inside. The brunette waved at me as they disappeared. I sat in the courtyard alone for a moment. But my thoughts wouldn’t stop whirling around. Something about them didn’t seem right. They were like the new kids that arrived at the orphanage. Oblivious to the hell that awaited them. Or maybe the delusional orphans that thought the disappearance of kids in the middle of the night was normal. That’s how I found myself in an unfamiliar wing in the hospital. It looked nothing like the halls I’d come from. These halls were bare cement with dim light bulbs hanging on the walls. There were metals doors every so often. Some of them had windows. I glanced in them. There was one room with a whole wall made of mirrors. Another room seemed like a makeshift movie theater with a projector screen on one wall and rows of folding chairs. Then more rooms more akin to classrooms in a detention center. I’d been in them more than once when I was caught trying to steal my birth certificate from a government building. I was still a minor so they were in charge of it. Meaning I could only work under the table. And those jobs barely paid anything. Just enough for me to keep up with school fees and get cheap clothes for the uniforms. Forget the school supplies. I’d stolen paper and pens from the teachers lounge until one gave me a notebook. And I’d used old textbooks from the library. Not that I could afford school now. The only reason I was at the hospital was because my job was paying for it. But these kids wanted to be like me. And looking around I started to understand why. This place was devoid of any life or personality. No cheesy art pieces like in my wing. There were no windows. Their cafeteria like a prison hall. Their room just a bunch of small beds in a row. Even my orphanage had provided more than this. Had allowed us to add personal touches. Drawings tapped to walls. We could wear whatever we could afford. And come and go as we pleased as long as we didn’t bring any trouble. Voices echoed through the halls. And ducked into a room. This door had no window in it. So, I was safe as the voices passed by. I was in a laundry room with enough machines to serve an army. But everywhere I looked it was only those red hospital gowns. Nothing else. More voices came from the vent set into the wall near the floor. I crouched down and peered into it. There was some kind of lab with several exams tables. All three of the girls were there joined by others in those red hospital gowns. A team of doctors were examining them. While a woman in a military uniform talked to the nurse I’d seen earlier. “…ahead of schedule.” The nurse was saying. “Is that why those three were late?” The military woman asked. “They would’ve been on time. But they were waylaid by a greenie.” The military woman stiffened. “How did a patient make it back here?” “I don’t know how she made it to the courtyard. But she was talking to them. Nothing too bad. They seem normal.” “They will be operatives one day. They can’t be normal. And it’s too early for them to be exposed to outside influences.” The nurse looked at her. “They’re almost 17. Surely they are mature enough to…” “Until they graduate from training they could still be influenced in the wrong direction and we can’t afford it. Not with war on the horizon.” “So what would you like me to do, General?” The nurse asked. “Find her. I’ll need to speak with her.” I didn’t like the sound of that. But I also couldn’t leave the hospital. Not with my arm messed up. I wouldn’t be able to work. Then I’d be thrown out into the streets without a job. This country didn’t tolerate useless people. So it was either work or die. That’s why we hadn’t had a single homeless person since the edict 80 years ago. The police had killed them all. There weren’t many options besides speaking to the general. Taking a breath I entered the hall again. It was still empty. But I kept opening doors hoping to find someone. That’s when someone cleared their throat behind me. It was that nurse again. “Follow me, Miss Thurman.” So, she knew my name already. Which meant they had access to my hospital records. Probably more if this place was connected to the military. I entered the office behind the nurse. It was as plain as the rest of the place. The general sat behind the metal desk scrolling through her laptop. But she didn’t say anything until I sat in the wooden chair in front of her. “You’ve got quite the record.” She looked at me. “Which could be useful for us.” “What are you trying to lock me up in here with your other operatives?” She smiled. “You’ve gathered quite a bit of information in the short time you were here. Which makes you perfect. But not as a operative. What we need are more spies.” I laughed. “What makes you think I’d be a good spy?” She glanced down at her laptop. “You’ve broken into a government building multiple times. Successfully stealing your birth certificate. You managed to find a place to live despite not knowing anyone. You’ve even broken into the library multiple times if the books in your hospital room say anything about it.” “The fact that you even know all that means I’ll just get caught again.” “Not if you accept our training. It’ll be in a different facility of course. Room and board will be provided. Along with a good salary. With chances for bonuses.” It sounded too good to be true. “What do you get out of this?” “Your loyalty. And trust me that’s hard to come by.” I looked down at my arm. It had begun to throb. “If I accept this deal, I want it in writing. With the added clause that if I get severely injured I can get out with a pension.” “I see all those trips to the library haven’t been wasted.” She nodded. “Very well. We’ll have it ready by the time you get out of surgery. Which I believe they are ready for you now. And don’t worry. We’ll foot the bill since you won’t be returning to that factory job.” I nodded and followed the nurse back to my room. She settled me in my bed. And when she left I took out what I’d lifted from her pocket. It was a small recorder. And evidence of our contract. I wasn’t stupid. And it would come in handy later. Voices came closer. Just as the doctor opened the door, I managed to swallow the recorder. He smiled at me before explaining what would happen in a few minutes. I listened knowing that now I had a better chance to survive.

Maven had made arrangements with my parents to have an extra room for Kile at home. And though my parents normally had work and could barely see me, they were there to welcome us both. I knock on the front door and it swings open. “Cora! Oh my gosh we’ve missed you!” My mom swept me into a tight hug and I smiled. I never got to see them much so it was nice to get this reaction. Once my mom finished hugging me my dad pulled me in for one too. “Oh’ you must be Kile. Maven has told us a lot about you.” “Oh? Well, I hope it was good.” “ Kile, let me show you your room. I’m assuming it’s the open one?” I ask mom. She nods and I pull his arm up the stairs. I open the door and his room is already decorated in a navy color on the bed, and some posters of his favorite band. Maven got it out of him, aww. “Well?” I look at him and he smiles so gently. “I love it. I-…” his voice breaks and I turn to see him better. “Oh Kile. What’s wrong?” A tear had slipped from his eye and he wiped it away shaking his head, “Nothing. I just never had my own…_bed_ and_ room.”_ “Really?” I whisper. He nods and I pull him into a hug. He tucks his head into my shoulder clearly trying not to cry. “Thank you, Cora. So much.” He looks at me. “Of course Kile. Always.” He pulls me closer, “Cora, can I kiss you? Please?” I nod and he pulls me in and we kiss. And it’s amazing. His lips against mine, I’ve wanted it for a long time. And my heart is loud in my ears. He pulls back, “You mean everything to me. I love you.” I inhale sharply…”I love you too Kile.” And we kiss again. The end. ♥️

When we got on the dance floor they had already changed the song to a slow dance. I slowly put my arms around Kiles neck, nervous I didn’t know what I was doing. But then, Kile put his hands on my hips pulling me a bit closer. He smiled softly and I do the same. “I can’t stop thinking about how beautiful you look right now.” He says looking in my eyes and my breath hitches. “Thank you.” I say in a small voice, blushing. “Is it just me or are Amelia and Maven staring us down.” Kile whispers. I laugh and put my head on his chest. “They are aren’t they?” He pulled me into a standing hug that was quite comforting. He pulled back, took my hand and spun me. I giggle as he pulled me closer to where it was like we were in ball scene. Kile smiled and his eyes gleamed with joy. They shined bright as he pulled me closer us going back to my arms around his neck and his around my waist. We swayed back and forth while the music switched and he lead me back to our table laughing. He kept talking about what he was excited to do when we could leave. “We should go to an amusement park!” I exclaimed. “Yes! Except- I’m scared of heights.” He blushed. My mouth fell open “what? Aww Kile.” “Don’t aww me. “ he glared smiling. I took his hand laughing, “we can do the rides on the ground.” At the end of reception Amelia and Maven walked out to the car but stayed for a second to say goodbye. “I’m gonna miss you Maven. Take care of Amelia please.” I hugged him as tight as I could. “I love you Cora. Don’t worry I will.” He stepped back and went to Kile as Amelia went to me. “You and Kile were so cute today. I’m gonna miss you.” Amelia said. I pulled her into a hug, “maven never stopped talking about you. I’ll miss you too.” —kiles pov— Maven pulled me into a hug. “Thank you. For getting me out of there.” Kile sighed. “Of course. Take care of Cora for me okay? Call whenever.” Maven pulled back and smiled. “I’ll always protect her but I trust you most.” “That means a lot to me.” Kile and Cora stood next to each other waving goodbye as they got in the car. Cora had tears falling out of her eyes. Kile put his arm around her shoulder pulling her close as they waved.

They said their vows. Which struck my heart and I felt warm. I peeked over at Kile and caught him looking at me, but he didn’t look away. Instead, he smiled and just stared at me. I grinned back, blushing some more, and I looked to Amelia and Maven. “With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Maven pulled her in by her waist and dipped her into a kiss. Amelia wrapped her arms around him and they pulled back looking into each others teary eyes while everyone applauded. They walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, to get ready for the reception. I had a speech I would be saying. Kile walked up to me as I did to him. “Hi” he breathed as if he was mesmerized. “Hey” His eyes trailed over my body with the dress and he made it back up to my eyes, “you are really beautiful today. You always are but this color-geez.” He turned red,hiding his face behind his hand and I giggled taking his hand in mine, giving a small squeeze. “You look very nice, too Kile.” He looked at me and I pulled us along to the reception room with everyone else. His fingers laced with mine, for some reason made me grin. I felt so…good with him. We found our reserved table, seated in front of the couples table and took a seat. He was beside me, most likely Maven and Amelia’s plotting for smth, and he put his chair closer to me. A few minutes later Maven and Amelia walk in hand in hand and I start the applause. Maven shoots a smile at me and they take a seat. Maven takes a second to get situated beside his wife when he points to the food, “yall can go eat.” And everyone surges up to move to the food. I sit and talk with Kile for a bit. “So what’s it like in the room of the groom.” I laugh at my rhyme. He smiles, “it’s funny how nervous Maven was. We had to redo his hair like many times because-“ “He has a habit of running his hand through his hair when anxious.” I interrupt grinning. “Yeah. It was nice though, we talked a lot. But what about the brides room?” “Ah well, she fussed over her dress for a moment but…she mostly got me to tell her everything about you and I….” I blushed. He cocked his head to the side and chuckled. “What did you say?” He asked. “Uhh. I told her about each time you made me laugh and feel better about myself.” Music started playing and the bride and groom shared the first dance. Kile and I kept talking as they danced and they finally got off the floor which opened it up to the public. Kile stood and extended his hand to me, “would you dance with me , Cora?” I nodded, my cheeks warming and as I walked to the floor with him I looked at maven and Amelia and they had thumbs up for me.

I told her about the days leading up to our like official moment. I kept out the parts of my panicking and breakdowns because this was a good day. A really good one. And I didn’t need to resurface and hurt to me or Amelia. When I finished with most of the story she squealed. “I’ve been begging Maven to tell me more about you two ever since he mentioned it once. You guys are so cute!” I blushed and she laughed. “Well, I can’t wait to hear how he looks at you when he sees you in this dress. Now, do I look ok?” She began to fiddle with her hair and her dress. I took her hands into mine. “You look amazing. Maven is definitely going to crack when he sees you. Don’t fret.” She smiled at me and the butler looking guy knocked on the door and announced that it was about to begin. Amelia exhaled a nervous breath as she quickly introduced me to her other bridesmaids, maid of honor, and her flower girl which was her dog. The man came out again and said ready. I was the first to walk out so I turned and grabbed my bouquet saying a last bit of encouragement to Amelia. Then I was off. I took a right and entered through big brown doors that opened into the most beautiful chapel. I saw Maven standing at the end of the aisle with the most amazing hair. I nearly laughed at his nervousness because it was so sweet. About halfway down the aisle I looked and saw Kile. His breath caught when we made eye contact. Kile didn’t know what I was going to look like so when he saw me He was shocked. But he looked absolutely stunning. His hair was brushed, he looked well rested and he smiled at me. I smiled back and blushed as I made it to my spot. The others right behind me. Then it was Amelia’s turn. Everyone in the room rose and I wanted to see Mavens reaction so I turned to look at him. He inhaled a sharp breath when he saw her. His eyes sparkling with love and tears. I saw his hands tremble but he did not falter his gaze. I smiled softly, and looked to see Amelia walk down the aisle. She was so graceful. As if she was floating on air she walked slowly to Maven, tears in both of their eyes, and took his hands.

We had already gotten through the first book of Narnia and I started asking questions. “Who are you in love with?” Everyone was laughing at each answer shouted out, “Peter!” “No Edmund!” “THE CENTAUR” That got a hard laugh from everyone. Once the laughter died down, everyone went off to do their own things. “Hey Cora.” “Hi Kile.” He propped up on the counter next to me. “Four weeks till you are out of this place. Five for me…” “Well, Kile, we kind of saved you from that final week that was added…” I looked at him for his reaction. His head whipped toward me, his eyes wide. “No way.” “Yes way.” I wrapped his arms around me thanking me over and over. “I can’t wait.” — Four weeks fly by and I say goodbye to the people I grew to know. “I’ll write you all letters. I love you guys.” Kile and I walked out and Maven picked us up. “You ready for the wedding?” I nod. So does Kile. We get to the venue where our outfits are all set and ready. I go into the women’s room and get my long dress on, and my hair done. When they finish I stand in the mirror, amazed. All the scars aren’t visible. The dress makes me look…like me again. I enter the room where we meet and I see Amelia and I stop. Her dress looked like one of a princess. It had a nice corset at the top and her sleeves were half puffy and the skirt was flowy. It had floral designs and I was in love. Her red curly hair was put up, half in a bun the rest down. Flowers in her hair like all of us and I whispered, “Amelia…you look beautiful.” I was the first person in there other than her and she spun towards me. “Cora!” She gave me a huge hug. And looked me up at down. “You look beautiful too.” I smiled, “I love your dress!” She smiled back very sweetly and thanked me. “So, how’s Kile???” I blush “Maven definitely told you everything didn’t he?” The rolled her eyes smiling “well duh! Now tell me all about it.”

A week later i found myself waiting for Kile to come out in his tailored suit for the wedding. I was sitting down on the chair in the middle of the room. I was with Maven and we were waiting together. Maven was watching me for my reaction for when he walked out. The last week had gotten better for me, and i had found a way to calm down from my panics. Kile helped me find coping mechanisms and im so thankful. Weve been trying to keep our little relationship on the down low. Its probably not allowed so we are waiting for our release. But what happens next makes me wonder if Kile will Have a set back. “Kile you almost done?” Maven calls out. “Yeah. Sorry.” He walked out and he looked magnificent. The blazer was still the same shade of blue, and this time it fit well around his shoulders and arms. He stepped out snd buttoned the two buttons at the bottom of the blazer. Fidgeting with the collar. Maven would not stop smirking at me. “Did i do the collar right?” Maven stood up and folded a part of collar and the blazer down. He patted Kiles shoulders and turned sround. “Well? What do you think, Cora?” “I think it fits you perfectly. I really like the color,” Kile and i made eye contact and i smiled softly, he returned it. My dress would look great next to his suit. I was so excited. “Would it be alrigjt if i sent a photo to Amelia? Shell need to decide what to do with your hair and so on?” “Sure” kile stopd awkardly and i am not kidding he looked like a model. I waited for him to sit beside me. “You look really nice in it. It *suits* you.” He rolled his eyes laughing. “You need better jokes,” “Oh ya? Gimme some.” “Why cant pirates finish the alphabet?” “Why” “Because they get lost at c,” I put my head in my hands and laughed. “Thats so stupid” “Yours arent any better.” I put my head on his shoulder, smiling like an idiot. Maybe we could be something when we get out of here. Maven had said that both their outfits would work great. Amelia wants Kiles hair brushed and thats all. But she wants my hair to be out uo half in a bun the rest down. So i practiced till i got it. When your bored it helps to learn something. I would show everyone before reading to them how to do their hair if they wanted. I loved helping people.

Maven took me into his arms and i cried. Hard. Kile took the sign to walk out so I could talk to Maven. Maven didnt speak, he just held me as i continued to cry. He situated himself so he could be fully on the bed and i was fully attached to him. I didnt want Kile to leave but i was glad he had noticed what was needed for me before i could. After a few minutes i finally calmed down. “Do you want to talk about what happened, or do you want me to take the ice cream out of my bag and we eat and talk?” Maven asked. A laugh bubbled out of me as i pointed to his bag. When he pulled it out, i noticed it was my favorite ice cream flavor. Mint Freaking Chicolate chip. I gasped. “I am dead. I havent had that in ages.” “Thats why i brought it.” He had paper bowls and dished them out to me full of ice cream. “Now. Talk.” I took bites in between which calmed my nerves while i spoke. I explained what Mia asked, what i thought as i went through the panic and most of all how lovely kile was through it all. “Oh, Cora. Im sorry. But look, you are wonderful and dont hesitate to call for me whenever.” I had finished my ice cream and handed him the bowl asking for more. “Ok. More plz!” We began to chat about his fiancee and the wedding. Finally the night rolled along and i was tired. “Ill be back in the morning. Get some sleep.” “Ok-wait can you get Kile?” — Kile walked into my room and i smiled softly. “Hi.” “Hey” he breathed walking closer to me “ how are you feeling? Do you need anything?” I shook my head. “No. I just wanted to thank you for being the one to calm me down. To be there.” “Of course.” He was sitting on the side of my bed. “I dont want to keep you up anymore, so goodnight.” He said as my eyes drooped. “Goodnight” i muttered. I felt his lips brush against my forehead as i slipped to sleep.

Nia was admitted to the hospital after a serious car accident. She was in severe pain and needed medical attention. After being admitted to her room, Nia quickly realized that something was not quite right. The air was thick and heavy, unlike any hospital room she had ever been in before. As Nia looked around, she noticed that the other patients on the ward were not like any she had ever met before. They were all pale and thin, and they stared at her with sunken eyes. There was a man who sat in the corner, always watching her with a creepy grin on his face. There was a woman lying in the bed next to her, who wailed in pain all day and all night. Nia could hear strange whispers in the air, like someone was whispering something sinister. Things only got worse as the night went on. Nia heard strange sounds coming from the hallway outside her room. She heard footsteps that sounded like they belonged to someone who wasn't human. She heard the sound of crying and screaming, but when she looked outside, no one was there. The patients on the ward were.

TW: iv, sedatives. Panic “Will your scars ever disappear?” Mia asked innocently. I flinched. Kile spoke immediately, “Evangeline, please.” He nodded his hesd to whiever spoke. But I barely heard anything. It wws as thiught a cloud entered in my ears. “Mia. We do not ask those questions.” Evangeline scolded. I felt Kile take my plate off my lap. My breathing became short quickly, my hand shaking above my arm. “Cora. Breathe. - NURSE!” I began seeing my vision waver, my hand over my heart. Shaking. I heard the name, Maven. In question form. Directed to me. I think. Am i thinking? I nodded. Slightly. Stop. Theyll think your crazy. Youve only had meltdowns like this privately. Stop. Youre embarrassing Kile. My eyes widened at the voice in my head. Finally my eyes cleared and I called out for Kile. I was in my room, still panicking. I felt something in my hand. IV. What? Am i dying? Im dying. The worlds endin- “Cora! Look at me.” I looked up at him. This is it. Im gone. Why isnt he worrie- “Hey. Im right here. Nothing bad will happen while im here. Shh” he took my hand in his. I nodded. Slowly. I felt fluids run through me. I felt loopy and tired. I began to worry again. “Hey, hey. Ill be right here when you wake up. Its ok. Maven will be too. Just sleep.” Kile assured. I fell into sleep. My body was already tired. But i didnt feel right to fall asleep. What felt like eternities later. I woke up. I looked around my eyes still adjusting. “Kile?” I croaked. I jerked my head toward movement and saw Kile moving towards me. “Kile” I whispered. My voice shaking. He put his arms around me. “Hey, Cora.” I started to shake in his arms. “Im sorry. I didnt mean to break like that- i, i was -“ “Cora. Its ok. Youre okay. Breathe.” I did and he kissed my head. “I hadnt had melt-meltdown like that in ages. It-…it freaked me out. Oh gods, is Mia okay?” “Of course. You just had a meltdown and your worried about others.” He shook his head laughing. “What time is it?” I blushed. “9pm.” “Cora?” I heard Maven call rushing through the door. “Cora.” He breathed. Kile moved quickly out the way so Maven could hug me.