I am sick of these serums. My body hurts too much after I go through one and no one has fed me in three days. It is nearly impossible to fight the control when you're starving.

0

I lay down on the metal table, just staring at the ceiling for no reason, when the door opens up. It's probably Caleb coming back to retrieve the pencil he forgot. But the footsteps get closer to me instead. A hand touches my shoulder and I immediately sit up straight.

"Beatrice, it's just me," George whispers. I feel a rush of gratitude wash over me and reach forward to hug him as hard as I can without wasting too much energy. George squeezes me back gently and I pull back. He hands me something wrapped in foil. Food. I tear the foil away and literally inhale that sandwich. I never want to go hungry again. George leans against the table and picks at his cuticles. He clears his throat a little.

"Tobias says he misses you. A lot actually."

I put down my sandwich and stare at my hands. They are thin and frail.

"He said that? How do you know?" I ask quietly.

George places a hand over my knee, gently though.

"After the authority raid ended last night, I contacted him to say that I found you and that you were safe in my sights. He… well, here. Read it for yourself."

George pulls out a cell phone and taps on the screen a few times. He hands me the phone and I read the message.

NeighborhoodWatcher: Found her. We're safe for now. Don't raise the alarm until I can find a way out of here alive. Understood?

4isawesome: … oh my god. u found her that fast?

NeighborhoodWatcher: UNDERSTOOD?

4isawesome: yes! tell her I love her and miss her so much.

NeighborhoodWatcher: I am NOT your personal messenger. bye

Tears prickle in my eyes. He loves me and wants me to come home. A tear slowly slides down my cheek and lands on my thumb. I hand the phone back to George, wiping tears away from my eyes. We're silent for a few minutes.

"Beatrice. Listen to me. I swear upon my life I will get you out of here and back home safely. Just Imagine what Tobias' face will look like when he sees you again."