A new month dawned, ushering in a chill  that bit even deeper. After a refreshing shower, Tom felt invigorated, ready to seize another day by A-01’s side. Although they endeavored to keep their romantic relationship a secret from the Plersizians, their efforts had not gone unnoticed. A-01’s persistent assurances that they were merely “ very good friends” had fooled a fair number of onlookers, but better that way. They had no desire to disrupt the calm or sow seeds of doubt and suspicion – not among the common folk, at least, but especially not within the council of the Headquarters.


 Tom stepped out of the concrete shower and reached for his towel to dry off. Within seconds, his leg locked up, going completely numb. He lost his balance and tumbled quickly toward the sink. At the last moment, he clutched his towel, which, miraculously, became his lifeline, saving him from a dangerous fall. Bracing himself with his other hand on the sink, he pulled his upper body away, but his legs simply wouldn’t respond. Using only his arms, he managed to sit on the floor and started calling for help.


A-01 rushed in.


<< My legs! I can’t feel them! >>


Panic took over him, but A-01 tried to calm him, reassuring him that there might be a treatment at the infirmary. She dashed off to find the doctors, informing them of Tom’s condition.


Left alone, slumped in a corner, barely covered by a towel, Tom’s mind raced to find the reason his legs had given out. Within minutes, he noticed his toes twitching-slowly, in shaky spasms, but moving nonetheless.


A-01 returned to inform him that the doctors were on their way and would soon transfer him to the infirmary for a proper examination and treatment. But it was no longer necessary. Tom felt his blood beginning to flow down his legs, and he watched as they regained their natural color. Everything was returning to normal. A-01 hugged him tightly.


<< How did this happen? What’s going on?>> she asked, drawing Tom’s gaze toward her. His eyes glistened, a single tear escaping down his face. He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, holding back the words.


<< This..>> he paused, sniffing, the veins on his temples throbbing with tension << This is a symptom of starvation.. They are letting me die..>>