“NaNoWriMo 2020 Pt. 19”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Additional note: In honour of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), all 30 stories written in the month of November will (hopefully) create a single multi-part story that will reach its conclusion by the end of the month. Stay tuned for a new story part every day!

Read the compiled NaNoWriMo TTtW story here!

Prompt: “I shouldn’t have trusted you!”

SKYE’S POV

This room is actually insane. It’s fit for an actual queen.

“This is my room?” I whisper, stepping forward to look around.

Winston smiles. “It’s all yours,” he says, spreading his arms.

As I wander around the room, staring at everything, Winston follows me. “You are free to go wherever you please,” he says. “You have suffered tremendously out in that horrible world, but now it is time to relax. You’re home. Anything you need, anything you want, it’s yours. All you have to do is ask.”

I nod slowly, still processing this room. As I run my hand along the silk sheets on the king-sized bed, my heart slows. This place just makes me feel so safe, so relaxed…

Winston’s hand on my shoulder suddenly brings me back to reality.

“I’ll leave you to get settled in,” he says. “If you want something brought to your room, just push this button and someone will be right along.”

I glance at the little green button on the bedside table and nod.

Just before he leaves, I call, “Thank you.”

He glances back and gives me a smile before disappearing.

As soon as he’s gone, I jump onto the bed and lie back. I let out a big sigh; I can live like this.

My stomach growls. Food. I could really go for something to eat.

I press the little button and a timer pops up from a holographic screen. I guess it’s telling me that someone will be here to help me in two minutes.

The doorbell rings and I get up to greet whoever’s at the elevator.

A man around my age steps out, dressed in a bright red uniform.

“Hello, my name is Ryan,” he says, keeping his chin up and his hands clasped behind his back just like Winston. “How may I be of service?”

I look at him strangely. “Um, I was just going to ask where I can find some food.”

Ryan nods and pulls a map out of his pocket. He shows me and points to a number of different places. “Well, the pizza here is excellent, but if you prefer something a bit more fancy, there’s a dine-in restaurant over here.”

I watch him give me instructions with curiosity.

“Ryan,” I suddenly interrupt him, “why are you acting like this?”

He glances up at me, shock in his eyes. “Like what?”

“Like…” I struggle to find the right word. “Like a robot.”

He doesn’t miss a beat and says, “I’m just here to help. That’s my job.”

I frown before slowly nodding. “Well, if you say so.” I take the map from him. “Thank you, Ryan. I think I can take it from here.”

Ryan nods and turns to leave. The elevator dings to announce its arrival and he steps inside. He turns around to face me as the doors start closing.

Just before he disappears from view, he calls, “You shouldn’t trust him.”

And then, of course, the elevator begins its descent before I can ask Ryan what he means.

Final Comments: Whoops that was a bit over ten minutes…

Overall Rating: 🙃