Chapter Eighteen
Once again the ear pieces announce pending activity. The room alights. Cheer returns... relative cheer. Then 128 catches her reflection in the ceiling mirror... the large black numerals of her tattoo. It disheartens.
“A bath... and some exercise.”
It is the nurse, her words stern yet bringing the heart to leap.
Freedom!
As the nurse steps forth, 128 hears a woof and the clatter of claws on concrete. A dog accompanies the nurse, and judging from the timbre of the bark, it is of size.
“I trust you like dogs, 128. Our canine friends are trained to ensure your obedience. Very friendly if you’re obeisant to them. They are very much aware of who is to be under their command and who in turn commands them. So follow the rules.”
With the words of advice, the deeply set ears
