They ran
Not because the clone chased them
But because it didn't
It just stared
Smiling
Like it knew something they didn't
Back through the breathing walls
Up one level
Into a side room
Inside
A girl floated in a pod
Younger than Kai
Maybe ten
Hair white
Eyes moving under her lids
But she wasn't asleep
She was dreaming with purpose
---
"Who is that?" Kai asked
Echo stepped closer
Her voice softened
"She's the reason I'm still here"
Kai looked at the plate
Name scratched out
Rewritten by hand
Dreamer
The air in the room pulsed
Like a heartbeat syncing with her
Echo placed her hand on the glass
"She doesn't speak
She doesn't wake
But she knows everything"
Kai leaned in
And the girl's mouth moved
No sound
Just one word
Kai