Vacuous – The Oval

I cannot remember the last time I was allowed out of this house. They tried to explain it all to me but it does not make any sense.

I might be just a normal looking ten year old girl but I know there is something about me; who I really am, who I am meant to be. For a long time my thoughts have not been my own. It all started with that wretched red mist clouding my vision; choking my thinking, questioning my very essence. I realised something was wrong when my foster parents burst into my locked room and found me strangling myself. They had to break a finger or two to prevent me from suffocating.

''Em, it's time to go darling. You don't want to keep her waiting.''

I guess I don't have a choice. I need answers too. Apparently the director of this facility has made special arrangements for me. Despite the uneasy silence in the car, my head was clogged with conflicting visions, contemplating my own personal mission.

As we drove through the main gates, I caught a glimpse of a small group of children being led on a curving path by a peculiar looking woman; who stopped to greet us with a robotic smile.

The entrance hall smelled over-polished, with piercing self-portraits staring at us from every angle. Each step reverberated throughout, announcing our arrival. The heavy, ornate oak doors swung open; revealing a strange lady stretching out her bony hand to welcome us.

''Welcome Mr and Mrs Lemarchel. Is this her? I'm sure we can get her confidence back. My team is doing ground-breaking work in The Oval. You will not regret this.''

Vacuous – The Oval

As she turned to me, I could feel her black pearl-eyes burning right through me; trying to find me but I did not let her in, not yet. I still have my doubts if she will make my ruby cloud disappear. ''What is your name dear child?'' she asked inquisitively.

''My name is Em'' as I felt her grip tighten around my wrist.

The next time I saw her was on that winding path; leading down to a secure underground facility, along with four others about my age. I must have lost track of time after the welcome drink she gave me.

''Where are you taking us?'' I asked defiantly.

''Shut up!'' I will not tolerate any rebellious resistance in The Oval. You will be punished for this!''

I woke up to a peculiar tapping from within the walls. Luckily I studied Morse code at cadet school. ''Whatever happens, don't allow her into your head'' I found myself whisper.

Suddenly her voice cracked in my mind. ''Em, this is for the best. I can help you, if you let me. Do not resist me.''

As I drowned in the red mist engulfing me, I felt a sharp pain in my chest.

''I refuse to submit to you!''

''Dear Self…''

''It's me, Em. Are you there? I need you!''