I stand by the door and listen to the conversation, careful not to get too close so the automatic door doesn't open. The Professor taught me that it's not good to eavesdrop, but now he's hiding something important from me and I want to know what it is.

- ?: What exactly happened, professor?

- Professor: It's terrible...do you remember when I received the call from the President two weeks ago? He asked me to stop Project Shadow, supposedly because it had become a harmful and dangerous project...

- ?: Yes, and you refused.

- Professor: To keep the government and the army waiting, I gave them the Gizoid, ordering it not to absorb the power of the weapons and technologies it could find. But what I feared finally happened.

- ?: What do you mean?

- Professor: The President called me three days ago. The Gizoid...it absorbed enough weapons and technology and destroyed half of the army's buildings. But luckily, they were able to trick him and lock him away before he destroyed everything.

- ?: I don't understand, Professor! Why did you give the Gizoid if you knew it was dangerous?!

- Professor: I really wanted the government and military to be busy enough with the Gizoid, so that I would have time to finalize Shadow. I absolutely have to finish it otherwise we won't be able to find a cure for Maria. I am aware that I have taken a huge risk but I refuse to lose my granddaughter.

- ?: Professor...

I am completely stunned by what I hear. I don't know much about this Gizoid...I just know that it's an ancient robot that the professor found a long time ago. I don't really understand what happened with this robot, but it seems serious...

- Professor: But that's not what concerns me the most...

- ?: What, is there something else?!

- Professor: After telling me about the Gizoid, the President told me that things were going too far. He wants me to stop Project Shadow permanently. And if I don't...he threatened to close the ARK and destroy all our research.

- ?: What?! That's impossible!

- Professor: Unfortunately...

What ?! They are going to close the ARK?! But...and Maria...no...

- ?: Professor, in my opinion, this threat should not be taken seriously. They're not going to close the ARK like that! It is the largest research center ever founded! They don't have the right to stop everything! At least not yet!

- Professor: Maybe...I don't know anymore…

I'm so engrossed in the conversation that I get too close, and the automatic door opens. The professor and the stranger, who is in fact one of his assistants, are surprised to see me there. I stand still, shocked by what I've heard.

- Professor: Shadow?! What the…?

I'm running. I don't know where, but I'm running. I'm completely confused. I don't know what to think. They're going to close the ARK. And it's my fault. It's because I'm dangerous that they're going to close the Ark. It's because of me. And because of me, Maria will never be cured.

- Professor: Shadow, wait! Stop!

I finally stop. The professor kneels in front of me and places his hands on my shoulders.

- Professor: Shadow...did you hear everything?

I nod, unconsciously looking sad.

- Shadow: Professor...is it because of me that the ARK is closing? Is it because I'm...dangerous?

Suddenly, the professor hugs me. At this point, I can't help but shed a few tears.

-Professor: Shadow, listen to me. None of this is your fault. It's not. It's all my fault. I'm just a fool who wants to save his granddaughter...

-Shadow: Professor...

-Professor: I promise you the ARK won't close. We're going to save Maria. I promise.

-Shadow: Really?

-Professor: Yes. And I also want you to know that I don't care what other people think of you. You're my greatest achievement and my greatest pride. I'm proud to have been able to create someone as intelligent and kind as you. You are a great comfort to Maria, and I thank you sincerely for that. You're my son, and you always will be, Shadow.

I break down. I cry and hug the professor. His words touch me deeply. Now I'm pretty sure it's not my fault. And that despite what people think of me, I might not be dangerous after all. The ARK won't close. Maria will be saved. I'm sure of it, because the Professor promised me.

- Professor: By the way, Shadow, why did you come to see me?

I dry my tears and come to my senses.

- Shadow: Ah yes...you'll have to come to the main hall to check that everything's in place to celebrate Christmas.

- Professor: All right, I'll come right away. It'll do me a lot of good to have a little fun...but speaking of fun, don't you want to know what Christmas is? I don't think I ever explained it to you...

- Shadow: Don't worry, Maria already explained to me.

- Professor: Perfect. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you, Shadow.

- Shadow: It's okay, Professor. Shall we?

- Professor: Yes, let's. I have a feeling we're going to have an unforgettable Christmas.

- Wait, we're coming too!

Other scientists come out of several rooms, they've probably just finished their work. I think everyone's ready to celebrate Christmas now. We all head for the main hall. The scientists seem reassured to see the Professor enter. I join Maria as she finishes setting the table. Suddenly, all the cooks arrive, dishes in hand.

- Cook: All right, the meal's ready!

The teacher steps up to the table and declares:

- Now that everyone's here, we can celebrate Christmas! After dinner, we'll open the presents! I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Maria and the Professor and me are seated at the end of the table. The whole ARK is present. I didn't realize there were so many people. That's impressive.

The meal is really delicious. There are a lot of foods I'm not familiar with. My taste buds are encountering lots of new and very different flavors. I'm so intrigued by all this unfamiliar food, I'd like to know the names of everything I'm eating, but that would be too many questions to ask, and I don't want to bother Maria and the Professor.

Maria has been chatting with a boy of about 7 or 8 sitting directly opposite her. I've never spoken to him, but he sometimes plays with her, and they seem to get on well. On the other hand, I feel that this boy doesn't like me. It's almost as if he's disgusted by me, judging by the fierce look in his eyes on the rare occasions he meets mine. By the way, his eyes are rather strange: one green and one brown. I think it's called "heterochromia". But I'm not in position to criticize other people's eyes, since mine are red, which isn't very common either. Anyway, I hope I'll never really have to deal with this boy. I'd better avoid him.

Maria finally turns to me with a slightly worried look on her face.

-Maria: How are you Shadow? Are you having a nice evening? I'm sorry, I've left you a bit on your own since we started dinner...

-Shadow: I'm fine, don't worry.

-Maria: I think it's going to be time for presents soon. I can't wait!

I let Maria finish her plate. She may be sick, but that doesn't stop her from having a good appetite, which is a pleasure to see. I turn to the professor. He's smiling again. I'm relieved. He doesn't look as worried as before, at least.

Suddenly, the professor stands up and picks up his glass of champagne.

-Professor: Before we open the presents, I wanted to say a few words. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, especially Shadow, who's having his very first Christmas. Shadow, make this Christmas one to remember!

-Shadow: I will, Professor.

Everyone raises their glasses of champagne and shouts "Merry Christmas!" before leaving the table. We head to the foot of the tree to open the presents. The scientists all receive a present. Everyone looks happy. I'm really starting to like this holiday. I've rarely seen scientists so cheerful, as they're usually immersed in their work. Christmas seems to put a smile on everyone's face, and I think that's great.

-This is for you, Shadow!

Maria stands in front of me and hands me a present. I'm so surprised, I'm speechless.

-Shadow: You...give me a present, Maria?

-Maria: Open it!

I unwrap the wrapping paper. It's a book entitled "The Wonders of the World". I open it, and there are lots of pictures of trees, animals, places and explanations. I'm already curious about all the secrets it contains.

-Maria: So you'll know a lot about the Earth! Can we read it together?

-Shadow: Of course, Maria! But...I've got nothing to offer you!

-Maria: You've got nothing to offer me, Shadow. You've already given me the most wonderful present. You've made me happy. Very happy.

Maria takes my hands. She takes a deep breath before whispering to me:

-My greatest present is you.

We stand there for a few seconds, without a word, before I take her in my arms. Maria...you make me happy too. I'd like to spend the rest of my life with you. I'd love it if one day you were cured and we could live on Earth together. And I'd do anything to make that dream come true.

Suddenly, the professor arrives. Surprised, I let go of Maria.

-Professor: Ah, I can see that Christmas is very good for both of you! So, Shadow, do you like your present?

-Shadow: Yes, very much. Maria really had a good idea. I can't wait to read it.

-Professor: Good. It's so nice to see you both smiling! I couldn't ask for a better Christmas present.

-Maria: Oh Grandfather...by the way, I've got a present for you too!

-Professor: Well, so have I!

Maria and the teacher hand over the presents. The professor discovers a box of chocolates and Maria a new pale pink dress. The two hug.

-Professor: You haven't forgotten how much I love chocolates! Do you like your dress?

-Maria: It's beautiful, Grandfather. I can't wait to try it on!

The Professor turns to the scientists and announces:

-Well, I see everyone has opened their presents! Go and put them away in your rooms to make sure you don't lose them! If you lose them here, you won't find them again any time soon! Then come back here and the party can begin!

Immediately, everyone leaves the main hall and heads for their rooms. I check on Maria before heading to mine.

-Maria: That dress is really beautiful! Don't you think so, Shadow?

-Shadow: I do, but I'd still prefer your beautiful blue dress.

-Maria: I've always loved blue. It'll be a nice change from wearing pink!

Maria smiles broadly at me before heading off down one of the many corridors.

-Well, I'll leave my dress in my room and come back. See you soon!

Maria disappears into the corridor. I head for the elevator to my room two floors up. Once there, I put my book down on the desk. I can't stop flipping through it. I'm absorbed by the images of plants, animals and places. I read a few descriptions, and each time I'm a little more surprised. Earth really does seem to be an exciting and diverse place. I really hope I'll go there one day. Maybe if I go there one day, I'll finally find a reason for my existence...

I look at my clock. It's almost 10:30 PM. I've been looking at my book for a quarter. I'd better get back downstairs or Maria and the professor will be worried.

I leave my room and take the elevator again. I cross the corridor to the main hall. But something intrigues me. I find it a little too quiet all of a sudden. There was a lot more noise when I left the room. I have a sort of bad feeling, I don't know why, and there's no reason for it.

I enter the main hall. Just as I was expecting to see everyone celebrating, I'm confronted with a horrifying sight that plunges me into total fear and incomprehension.

On the floor, dozens of scientists are dying in a pool of blood.