there's no saying sorry | [the wade series]

"We've known for quite some time that something was... off, let's say."

His fingernails dug themselves into the upholstery of the arm chair in Mother's office.

"That's why I've been ordering so many physicals. But we just couldn't put a finger on it. Until now."

So close to freedom. He guessed the investigation was already underway, that they'd be coming any day to shut this place down for good. He'd never been this close to safety and he could see it in the road ahead. Waiting. But his own death was a pit, thousands of feet wide and separating Wade from the end h'e'd been hoping for.

"You have two options," she carried on, her taut lips twisting up into a quick and humorless grin, "We could harvest you early while there is still something viable to harvest. Or,"

There was a pause, and then she offered Wade a bridge across the pit.

"I've never heard anything about what Cole said."

Life or death, falling into the pit that separated him from freedom or ultimate betrayal to everyone he loved.

Of the three people in the room with him, one was the man he recognized. He was the one asking the questions. There was also a woman standing behind him with her arms folded over her chest and a look on her face that suggested she thought this was a legitimate investigation. And there was a man guarding the door who hardly looked intelligent enough to stand upright.

He'd chosen to take the bridge,
and he hated himself for it.

"So you've never heard of children disappearing, or seen anything that might suggest something illegal could be taking place here?"

Wade cleared his throat, looking up at the woman. He could still tell the truth. It wasn't too late. It may have cost him his own life, but he had the opportunity right then, right there. He opened his mouth to speak, "Well-" and his stomach was in knots and his throat tightened and he had to clench his hands into fists to stop them from shaking.

He couldn't; he was too selfish.

"Well, there is this tale we've all heard. About two kids getting kicked out for misbehaving, but-"

"Anything serious?"

He paused, ashamed, unable to look up.

"No."