Chaymae Sassi, Tangier. Doomed Escape Eris was the greatest warrior in the kingdom. She was finally rewarded for her service by a trophy of honor from Colonel Bori— “Eris.” Boris’s voice interrupted her fantasy. Eris tore her eyes away from the window to look at the masked face standing at the door. “Yes, Colonel—uh...Doctor?” Of course, she wasn’t really a warrior. But that didn’t keep her from imagining herself somewhere else, far from where she was. Boris crossed her arms. “Were you listening?” Eris’s cheeks flamed. She shook her head. Boris sighed. “There’s evidence that the developed vaccine may be working. We’re transferring you to another room.” Eris spent years in this room. Her home. Her prison. She never looked forward to seeing Boris. Coming up to her room only meant one thing; blood collection. But now the doctor’s arrival has brought other news. Eris tried to suppress the churning in her stomach. But she couldn’t stop her lips from smiling. Eris stepped forward. Boris stepped back instinctively, adjusting her gloves. “Put this on.” Boris threw her a long coat and retrieved back into the hallway. “Follow me.” Eris quickly put on the defensive layer between her and the world. She ran to the door. With one step, she was, for the first time in a very long time, outside the quarantine room. She followed Boris down the empty hall. The elevator’s sensors chimed and the doors opened. “Fifth floor, please.” Requested Boris once they were inside, keeping a safe distance away from plastic-covered Eris. The elevator went down. Eris was getting excited and her grin widened when the elevator opened and she could see the contrast. Fifth floor was busy with life. Doctors and scientists rushed around, clutching their monitors and talking. Nobody paid any attention as she followed Boris, but Eris stared, mesmerized by every frown, every focused gaze, every talking mouth. So many people yet nobody was afraid of her. She wasn’t the monster Boris made her believe she was. She wasn’t a threat that would kill anyone close enough. She was just another person.
11 | P a g e
