Chapter 74

In the office, there were three people, and the atmosphere was one of professional discussion. A young woman was trying to convince two executives to increase funding for her project.

"Alfred, you’ve seen the results my project delivers! The children are adapting much more easily to the orphanage environment. The number of fights and other instances of deviant behavior has dropped sharply. All I’m asking for is to expand the number of these play centers."

"I understand you want to scale your program, but what’s in it for us? We believe it’s the game itself that creates these conditions, not your project with the menagerie."

Eliza frowned at the assumption.

"My proposal includes analytical reports from two focus groups. They show a clear difference in the behavior of troubled children—one group living normally, the other under my supervision."

The men exchanged glances and nodded at each other.

"Well, that sounds convincing. We agree."

"Then what was all this farce for?"

"We needed to be sure you were guided by logic, not just emotions or maternal instinct."

The remark, directed at a scientist, was slightly insulting. But there was some truth in both men’s words.

"I see."

"We’ll increase the project’s budget. Five more menageries will be opened across Chrysalis. Send us the staff list and expense estimates as soon as you have them ready."

The men stood and left the office. Eliza leaned back in her chair, exhausted. A happy smile made her look incredibly beautiful. She had chosen a career in science over family life, so she had no children of her own. Her project allowed her to fulfill her need to care for someone. She was well aware of this but kept her desires and emotions in check. With men like them, it was always about numbers and facts—and that’s exactly what she had given them.

"Miss Donovan, Anji Ganet is online and wants to meet," Moro waited politely for the conversation to end before delivering the news.

"What an incredible day. Tomorrow, aliens will contact me and say I’m destined to save the world."

"Miss Donovan, sarcasm is unnecessary. It’s rare for patients like him to initiate contact."

"I know… It’s just been a long day. Patch him through to my room."

"Understood."

Eliza lay down in the capsule and entered virtual space. Her childhood room always brought back pleasant memories.

Anji stood in the center. The boy looked happy—now, he seemed like any ordinary child. He pointed to his ear.

"No, no one can hear us."

"Hello, Miss Donovan."

"Finally, you’re talking. You look positively glowing."

"You’re right. I’m in a good mood, so I decided to talk. You wanted to know why I don’t speak to the other children?"

"Yes."

"You’ve already figured it out."

"Yes. You don’t want to talk to those you consider beneath you. I saw the fight at the center and know what caused it. Do you really think isolating yourself will make you happy? You have no one."

"My need for human interaction is much lower than you think, Miss Donovan. I see most people as idiots, fools who want to crush those better than them. They believe strength in numbers can break my will… but they’re wrong."

"Not everyone is like that, Anji. Some have treated you well."

"Yes, and you tried to use that against me. Thanks for the lesson. I won’t fall for it again."

"You’re smart—you understand everything. But isolation, no friends, no people around you will stunt your psychological growth. Your emotional intelligence quotient is already below average. But you’re still a child. It can be fixed."

"Friends… interaction… In my whole life, there were only two people I could call that. One I can’t speak to because of my guilt. The other robbed me of a normal childhood and tried to kill me. And that’s the kind of friendship I need?"

"You’re exaggerating. Not all people are that bad."

"I know, Miss Donovan. There are others. But I don’t want… I’m not ready to make that mistake again. I’d rather stay a child than become an adult… like her."

Eliza could have said she’d seen Rebecca but chose not to. The boy needed to forget that incident and move on.

"You choose who you become. You don’t have to be like her. You are you. Don’t shut out the world because of people like that."

"Just words, Miss Donovan. Goodbye."

"Wait. There’s a menagerie in the city of Denev, on the continent of Radaam. Go there when you feel ready."

"Goodbye."

Anji disconnected and left the virtual space. Moro, who had remained silent, finally spoke.

"Congratulations, Miss Donovan. The boy spoke. Should I add this to his file?"

"No point. We haven’t solved the problem—just achieved a temporary improvement. Plus, there are inconsistencies in his behavior."

"What do you mean?"

"He’s already shown he doesn’t act without reason. I highly doubt he missed me. His willingness to talk is likely because he’s young and inexperienced—that’s why he agreed to a dialogue in this situation. Usually, patients like him only engage when they feel in control."

Moro and Eliza exited the virtual space in silence. There was still much work ahead with the new menageries. Everything concerning Anji was pushed to the back burner for now. There were only theories, no facts—but something was definitely happening.