The door swung open, capturing Ian's immediate attention as Dr. Cain stepped into the room.
The doctor’s lips curled into a smile, seemingly warm and inviting, but his eyes held a glint of something enigmatic. "Good morning, Ian," he greeted, his voice smooth and composed. Continuing his approach, Dr. Cain gestured toward one of the chairs with a graceful motion. "Please, go ahead and have a seat."
A wave of relief washed over Ian at the sight of Dr. Cain. Nodding in response, he settled himself onto one of the chairs, facing the young doctor.
Dr. Cain took a seat as well, his posture poised, and his gaze fixed intently on Ian. "We only have 10 minutes, but I wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you. Since your arrival, we haven't had a chance to have a proper conversation. I understand you must have many questions that the other children couldn't answer for you," expressed the young doctor, his tone seemingly gentle and attentive.
As Ian settled into the chair, his eyes remained fixed on Dr. Cain, observing his every move.
Dr. Cain turned on his tablet and began scrolling through it.
Ian couldn't help but fidget, his leg starting to bounce up and down in a rhythmic motion. The subtle movement betrayed his inner turmoil. Despite his best efforts to maintain composure, his restlessness persisted
Dr. Cain's words cut through the air, breaking the silence. "So, Ian, I must say, you've made impressive progress in your lessons, and I've thoroughly reviewed your recorded practices. However, I couldn't help but notice something intriguing. Are you perhaps holding back?" The doctor's words carried a tone of observation and curiosity, but there was a hidden inquiry behind them.
Ian's leg motion abruptly ceased as the question hung in the air, catching him off guard. How did he know? His breath quickened, and the rise and fall of his chest betrayed his growing unease. Should I tell him the truth? No, Zack and Adam told me to be careful. I’ll just tell him no.
Ian mustered his response, his voice filled with a hint of hesitation, “N-no, sir,” he managed to utter, his gaze involuntarily averting from Dr. Cain's penetrating eyes.
The young doctor paused, his eyes fixed on Ian, as he carefully set aside his tablet and moved his chair closer.
Ian's nervousness heightened with each inch the doctor closed the distance between them.
And then, Dr. Cain leaned in, his face mere inches away from Ian's, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial tone. "Let's make a deal, Ian," Dr. Cain began, his words laced with a subtle charm. "I will be completely honest with you, answering any questions you have and providing everything you need. From this moment forward, I am your caretaker. All I ask in return is your honesty. Can we trust each other?"
Ian found himself momentarily entranced by Dr. Cain's unwavering gaze, his vulnerability exposed under the weight of that piercing scrutiny. Without fully comprehending the implications, he nodded in agreement, a reflexive response fueled by the desire to relieve himself from the intensity of the moment.
Dr. Cain, his expression now brimming with satisfaction, settled back into his chair. It was as if he had achieved a significant victory with Ian's compliance. "Brilliant!" He exclaimed. "You've made the right choice, Ian. Now, feel free to ask me anything you desire. There are no boundaries to our conversation."
As Ian's expression relaxed, a glimmer of newfound hope sparked within him. The realization dawned that he now had the opportunity to seek answers to the myriad questions swirling in his mind.
Anything.
Summoning his courage, Ian decided to begin with the most pressing matter "I... I would like to know about my parents. Who are they? Where did I come from? And... where are they now?"
Dr. Cain adjusted his posture, leaning slightly forward, his expression shifting from warm to a subtle mix of seriousness and compassion. He let out a deep sigh before speaking. "I'm afraid, Ian, that you are an orphan," he began, his tone measured yet empathetic. "Your parents, as well as your younger sister, tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire accident. You were brought to us from an orphanage in Washington, Seattle.”
Pausing briefly, Dr. Cain continued, his tone reflecting the limitations he faced. "However, the details regarding your parents remain somewhat elusive. The orphanage has imposed strict protocols, restricting access to such information unless deemed necessary."
Ian's heart sank, a heavy weight settling upon his chest. He stared at the floor. So, I’m an orphan, it does make sense… But why do I feel nothing? Why does it all seems so empty? His emotions were a whirlwind of confusion and frustration.
Dr. Cain leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. His eyes remained fixed on Ian, as if searching for something deeper within him. With a glance at his watch, a subtle reminder of the ticking minutes, he spoke with a calm and reassuring tone, carefully choosing his words. "Ian, I understand that learning about your family and origins is of utmost importance to you. While I may not have all the answers at this moment, I assure you that you're not alone in this.”
He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "Given our limited time today, I want to offer you a choice. We can either proceed with the questions you have now, or we can schedule another dedicated session where you can have a clear mind and ask all the questions that weigh on your heart. The decision is entirely yours."
Ian raised his head, meeting Dr. Cain's gaze. I want to know more… with a mix of curiosity and concern. He mustered up his courage to express his question. "Um, Dr. Cain, you mentioned that I'm here because of my ability..." Ian began, searching for clarity.
"That is correct," Dr. Cain confirmed, his voice steady and composed.
“I, uh, don’t understand. Why can’t I use my ability freely then?” Ian's hand instinctively reached up and touched the collar snugly fitted around his neck.
"Ah, I see your confusion, Ian. and I understand your desire for freedom in using your ability. The collars serve a multifaceted purpose here. First and foremost, some of the other children in this facility have shown signs of instability in their abilities, and it is crucial to ensure a safe environment for everyone. The collars act as a preventive measure, allowing us to regulate and monitor the use of abilities to minimize potential risks.” Dr. Cain explained, his voice calm and measured.
“Secondly, it's important to consider the fear that arises from the unknown. Abilities like yours can be intimidating to those who don't understand them. Lastly, these collars are also a way to protect you from inadvertently harming yourselves or others. I hope you understand that our ultimate goal is to help you harness your potential and ensure your well-being.”
Ian nodded, absorbing Dr. Cain's explanation, but a sense of dissatisfaction lingered within him. It doesn't add up. If some of the other kids are unstable, why should the rest of us who are stable be treated the same? They already treat me, Adam, and Zack differently than the others... Why can't they make an exception for this too? His brows furrowed in frustration as he sighed, but reluctantly accepted Dr. Cain's response.
“If I wanted to leave this place… am I allowed to?” Ian asked, his voice tinged with hope, yearning for a different answer from the one he already expected.
Dr. Cain's expression softened, his voice gentle but resolute. "Ian, you already know the answer to that question," he replied.
Ian's shoulders slumped, disappointment weighing heavily upon him. It was an obvious no.
A soft knock on the door resonated through the room, instantly drawing the focus of both Ian and Dr. Cain. The door swung open, revealing the figure of a tall, imposing guard standing at attention, it was the same guard who had escorted Ian to the room earlier. His presence exuded authority and respect as he entered the room.
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