Chương 1

(Asset #4092 - Age 4) The darkness in my room in the Tier 1 barracks never lifts slowly. There are no windows to let the sunrise in. There is only the harsh, instant hum of the lights snapping awake at exactly six o’clock. “Atención, todos los activos. Despierten y pónganse de pie para el pase de lista.” The ceiling speaker booms through the room. I squeeze my eyes shut against the bright light and rub them with both hands. My door opens. Warm hands gently pull mine away from my face. Elena. She does this every morning. “Good morning, my girl.” Her voice is soft. I blink up at her. She looks the same as she always does. Her black hair is pulled into a tight bun. Her skin is brown, and she wears the same pale pink scrubs she always wears. She smiles at me. “Good morning, Elena.” I sit up. “Are we doing puzzles today?” She shakes her head. “No puzzles today.” Her fingers smooth my nightgown. “Go use the bathroom, and then we’ll get you ready.” I slide off the bed and do what Elena asked. I know what comes next. Breakfast. Today it’s milk, oatmeal, and fruit. After I am done eating, Elena takes my hand and walks me out of the dining room. But instead of turning toward my room, she takes me down the opposite corridor. I look up at her. “Where are we going?” “The pampering room.” “Why?” “Because today is a special day.” She gives my hand a little squeeze. “We need to get you ready.” “For what?” Elena doesn’t answer right away. Then she says, “There is a visitor coming today.” I look at her. “A visitor?” “Yes.” “Who?” “A man.” “Why?” Her expression becomes serious. “He is coming to look…