Page 59 - The Muse 2021

“Hurry! Come in,” she exclaimed.
The women shut the door as soon as the guards reached the doorstep. My prayers had been answered. The women locked the door, and rushed Max and me into some sort of medical facility. I was too out of breath and exhausted to stay conscious, so I collapsed on the nearest medical bed I could find and fell asleep.
I woke up to a doctor, smiling at me.
She said, “Just lay down and relax, you are safe here.”
A shiver ran down my spine.
I thought to myself, “The last time I had heard those words was-”
“Help! Get me out of here,” I screamed.
“Calm down, it's ok, you're ok,” the doctor said.
My breathing slowed, and I relaxed. As I looked around the room, I saw Max across from me, sleeping
peacefully. His knee was wrapped in gauze and appeared very swollen. The room was very organized, with about a dozen gurneys around the room. Max and I were the only ones in the space, besides the doctor with the friendly face. This place seemed very different to the IOI. I didn’t feel scared, or like something bad was about to happen as I always used too. I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I saw Max open his eyes and sit up. We locked eyes, and I saw the relief in his face. I softly smiled, and surprisingly, he smiled back.
I looked over and saw the women who let us in walk through the doorway.
“Hello,” she said, “Welcome to the Lighthouse. My name is Amelia, and I am the leader of this organization. Here, you both will be able to live lives of freedom and peace, with no burden what-so-ever.”
She gestured to the doctor as said, “I will have Elise, the doctor in charge of the medical staff, show you around.” “Come, follow me,” said Elise.
We followed Elise through the double doors at the end of the hallway. Our eyes widened with admiration as we
stepped outside. It was an entire city. There were people, buildings, food stands, and even a school, with children running around freely. I was in complete awe. It almost felt like it did before the virus. I could help but feel an overwhelming sensation of pure joy. I have never felt this happy since my mom was alive. Elise interrupted my train of thought.
“Do any of you have any questions before I show you to your rooms?” In unison we replied, “Yes.”
“Ok then. How about I take you, and from there you can ask away.”
I replied, “Sounds good.”
We walked up to a brick, one story building. As we stepped inside, there was a hallway decorated with paintings and pictures. We walked by many numbered doors, which reminded me of an apartment building. We stopped at apartment number 18 and Max was handed a key. I was handed a key from apartment number 19, the room directly across from his.
Elise explained to us that the scientists at the Lighthouse were able to find a vaccine that worked, and that everyone living here had lived in Ferndale before it was taken over by the IOI.
After answering our questions, Elise left us to get situated. I walked into my apartment an immediate sense of nostalgia waved over me. I was instantly reminded of my old apartment. It saddened me to think of those days, but I knew it was time to move on.
From that moment on, I have never looked back. Max and I had the opportunity to live in this amazing place, which made us feel like normal people again. I am so grateful I found happiness again, and plan on living the rest of my life here, devoting myself to rescuing others like Max and I from the IOI. Both of us will forever have Laurel in our hearts, knowing she is watching over us, and will always and forever be with Max and me.
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