Eliano walks next to me without saying a word, clearly lost in his thoughts. Part of me is almost glad we ran into Jeff, because Eliano now looks stuck on this whole Last Man Standing thing. At least, that is what I hope is on his mind. His expression is still grim.
We return to unit seventy-one without another word.
As soon as we get there, Eliano plops down on the couch and grabs the laptop, not saying a word.
I was actually hoping to look something up online about the ocean currents around Calsing Island, but that can wait. Given his mood, it’s probably better to just let him have the laptop.
The papers from the contract are still lying on the windowsill, printed only on one side. I flip them over, they’ll do. Luckily, among the stuff I brought in my toiletry bag is a black fine-liner. I sit on the bed and start sketching tattoo designs.
Silence hangs in the room. Eliano stares at the screen, not even sparing me a glance.
Honestly, that works for me. I guess? The more I talk to him, the harder it will be laternotto talk to him. I have to maintain that status quo at all costs.
We don’t leave the unit again until our wristbands beep, it is time for the so-calledobed.
Eliano keeps quiet the entire time, even during the walk.
In the cafeteria, though, he spots Evan and Roman, and we join them. Unexpectedly, it is Roman who speaks first this time.
"I am guessing you have already had your first fun visit to our medical office," he says with mild amusement.
I lift my head, the topic instantly putting me on edge. Before I can answer, Eliano speaks up.
"Yes. That place is stranger than I initially thought," he says dryly. "And it seems like they push to fuck people pretty hard."
"That is true. We were lucky we had known each other for almost two weeks before coming here," Evan adds. "After we signed our contract, there were some delays with paperwork. Roman was able to stay with me during that time, wearing an ankle monitor, before we were transported to the island. So it was much easier for us. But we have heard from other couples that the first medical visit… was not exactly enjoyable," he says, holding back a smile.
"We met literally the day before, so it was a bit… unexpected," Eliano adds with a hint of bitterness. A very forced smile crosses his face.
"It feels like everything here is only voluntary on the surface," I dare to mutter.
Evan’s expression shifts slightly, turning awkward.
"Well, we have been lucky so far and managed to avoid conflict with the staff, but we have heard some quiet rumors that things get unpleasant if someone openly violates their rules.This sector is basically a prison underneath all of this. No point pretending otherwise, despite the shiny illusion of freedom."
His words do nothing to improve my mood. I have been reaching the same conclusion myself. And the word ‘prison’ sounds bad for my plans.
Unexpectedly, Roman leans in closer and lowers his voice.
"Everyone says it is better not to skip even those supposedly optional recreational activities they organize here, so things wouldn’t turn ugly."
Nobody keeps the topic going, probably because it’s putting everyone in a sour mood. For the rest of the meal, Eliano just chats with Evan about the other people in the program. The alpha drops a few names and throws in some random tidbits about the other couples.
After that, everyone drifts off in their own directions.
With my nose practically to the ground, I follow Eliano back to our unit.
The screening starts in twenty minutes, so I mutter to him that I am going to take a shower.
Eliano doesn’t reply, but after I come out of the bathroom, he goes in as well. Interesting. We have no idea what is waiting for us, but I guess we are both bracing for some kind of… ride.
Eventually, it is time to leave. Eliano still has that thoughtful, distant look lingering on his face.
When we arrive, I have to admit, I am a little shocked.
The screening room looks nothing like a traditional movie theater where people sit shoulder to shoulder. Instead, it is a vast hall filled with what can only be described as privacy screens, each arranged in a U shape, with a small curtain at the front that can be raised or lowered where the arms of the U open.
There are forty-one of these rounded enclosures spread across a space the size of a large cinema hall.
