Chapter 3
One day, when Nia had already lost all hope, a man came to her room. He looked to be about fifty years old, with wrinkles on his face and a weary look in his eyes. He sat next to her on the bed, and Nia felt for the first time that someone was treating her like a human being. Could it be that at least someone sees me as a person, and not just a guinea pig? The thought flashed through her mind and disappeared.
– Hello, Nia, – the man said in a gentle voice. – My name is Doctor Emmett. I really want to help you, but, frankly, I don't know how to do it. You're not even trying to remember anything, and our equipment isn't showing any problems. Your brain is completely clear.
Given that this was the first person who had spoken normally to her, Nia decided to trust him and try to find out as much information as possible.
– Doctor Emmett, – she began in a trembling voice, – why are you examining me with such old technologies? In the city everything is so modern, and here…
Doctor Emmett raised his eyebrows in surprise.
– Old technologies? What do you mean? This is the best medical equipment we have. We even try to give you non-synthesized food, which is a great rarity these days. You should understand that such an examination is very expensive. About fifty million Times.
Fifty million Times… The amount seemed astronomical to Nia. What are "Times"?
– Times? What is it? – she asked.
– Times is our currency, – Doctor Emmett explained.
A memory of the prices in the city flashed in Nia's mind. "50 TM… 100 TM…", she thought. Now she knew that it was currency. And fifty million Times was a huge amount.
– I… I don't know if I can pay, – Nia said anxiously.
Are they keeping me here for money? What will happen if I can't pay? Nia thought fearfully.
Doctor Emmett sighed.
– Since your case is unique, the hospital is covering all the costs. For now.
Nia felt relieved. At least some good news. For now… Does that mean I'll still have to pay later?
– Can I move around the hospital? I need to stretch my legs a bit, – she asked, hoping to see something new.
Doctor Emmett frowned.
– It's dangerous, Nia. We don't know how your condition will progress. What if you forget where you came from and get lost? There are a lot of corridors here.
Nia tried to object, but Doctor Emmett interrupted her: