Dr. Mayben looked at all of us, the look on his face calm compared to Mrs. Miller’s cold anger.

“I get that this may be new and weird information, but I assure all of you that your parents and friends are thriving, they aren’t mourning one bit, because they don’t remember you, so don’t fear for them,” He said, looking between Verena and I, then marking something down on the chart in his hands.

I could feel Verena silently start to cry, still next to me. I went to look at her, but she moved to my other side so I couldn’t see her face.

Mrs. Miller nodded, and explained further, “You will be provided with a room for your stay. It will be kept clean unless you put up the Do Not Disturb sign on the handle, much like a hotel. There will be treats and presents to make living here enjoyable, and food will be provided morning, noon, and night, again, like a hotel.”

Dr. Mayben continued, “You will have one other person staying with you, chosen by us, but because we have an odd number of people, one of you will get a room alone until we get a new group. You’re in building Y6, English, so if you had a friend with a birthday near yours, then they may be here, or will get here soon. No promises though.”

I quickly raised my hand, and Mrs. Miller pointed at me, “I have a friend named Elden West… she goes by Ellie… is that a name that means something special?”

Dr. Mayben stared at his chart for a couple seconds, though it felt like years. Ellie was my best friend for ten years, and I had to know.

It was only when he responded did I realize I had been holding my breath.

“It looks like Elden…” He started, squinting slightly, “It is. Elden means protector.”

My face lit up. My best friend was going to be here! I didn’t think I could last without going insane without here. She’s what keeps me stable.

“But it looks like Elden West’s birthday is on September 20th,” he said, looking back up at me with a bit of pity on his face.

And? I can wait. That's only four days away, that’s not bad!

“And by then she’ll probably be in Y7 English or Y8 English,” he finished, seeing my confusion.

My stomach dropped to my feet. I’d be in this horrible white building alone for who knows how long.

Mrs. Miller clapped her hands together, her face picking up into a practiced smile, “So! Enough of this chatter, you’re mostly all awake, so let’s get you to your rooms!”

They both left, Dr. Mayben alone, And Mrs. Miller with a child at her heels. It had been about an hour with her calling children’s names, and Verena even fell asleep, her breath soft and warm against my back, making me tense up.

“Mrs. Samuels?” Mrs. Miller finally called, poking her head through the door frame. I stood up, walking over to meet her, my heart pounding in my head. “Right this way Alexander.”

I followed close behind, shrinking into her shadow as we passed other pristine people in kempt coats in this white-washed building. All the fluorescent lights lit it up even further, making me dizzy and I had to close my eyes. I quickly shook my head, before opening them in fear. I was afraid I would lose her if I strayed. Finally, after five minutes of walking, she said the words I’ve been waiting for forever.

“We’re here”

I emerged from behind her, looking around the room that would serve as my home for who knows how long. It had a blue theme that stood out against the rest of the blindingly bright building. There was a soft-looking bed with two pillows and a comforter folded up neatly at the bottom, along with a decorative throw placed carefully on the headboard. Both pillows were fluffed up, with a box in the center. There was a bedside table with a little lamp that emitted a soft blue glow. There was also an empty closet on the other side, and it was all sitting on top of an ocean-themed rug. It was a little childish, but nonetheless calming. My heart sped up slightly… there was only one bed… does this mean I was the one who was housed alone? This thought made me smile. I don’t have to deal with anybody for a bit, and maybe if Ellie happened to fit here, then I’d get paired with her!

But my excitement quickly faded as she said, “Sorry about the bed situation, we only had enough for one bed in each room. Do you mind sharing with your partner?”

I shrugged, “I guess not. Who’s my partner anyway?”

Then she smiled, still off, but definitely better than before. “Your roommate is--”

She was cut off by a horribly familiar voice, “That would be me.”