She was assigned household duties: preparing food from this strange “plasticine” mixture, cleaning the hut.

After a while, Lira began to trust her a little. She was even allowed to walk around the district alone, collect herbs, or just breathe fresh air. But Nia couldn't go far. She was not given any technology, no means of transportation. Without technology, she couldn't go far, she would be quickly caught.

The girl understood that she was a prisoner. But she also understood that she had to wait for her chance. She watched Lira and her henchmen, studied their habits and weaknesses. She hoped that one day she would be able to escape. “I will be patient. And when the time comes, I will escape,” constantly spinning in her head.

One day, a man came to their hut. He introduced himself as a doctor from the very hospital from which Nia had escaped. The man was dressed in a light blue suit and looked very worried.

– I'm looking for a fugitive, – he said to Lira. – She escaped from our hospital about a month ago. We believe that she may be in this area.

Lira, without batting an eye, replied:

– There is no one here. We live here alone. We have not seen any fugitives.

Her voice was as even as ice. “She is an excellent actress,” Nia thought.

The doctor looked at Lira carefully, as if trying to see a lie in her eyes. Then he looked around the hut. Nia hid in the corner, trying not to attract attention. Just so he wouldn't notice.

Fortunately, the doctor noticed nothing.

– Sorry for the trouble, – he said. – If you find out anything, please let us know.

He left, leaving behind a oppressive silence. Lira looked at Nia with a warning.

– You see, – she said. – They are still looking for you. You must be careful.

A threat was read in her gaze. “She is afraid. So I have a chance,” Nia noticed.

After the doctor left, Nia's life returned to normal. She continued to perform her household duties, watching Lira and waiting for her hour. But now she knew that her past was still haunting her. And that one day she would have to make a choice: to remain a prisoner in Lira's gang or to try to escape and find answers to her questions. “I will choose freedom. And the truth,” she thought.

One day, Lira gathered all her servants and announced:

– I feel that there is another one.

Nia didn't understand what exactly she meant.

– Another what? – she asked, but Lira ignored her question.

But her people were clearly happy and inspired by this statement. They exchanged glances, smiled, and whispered something to each other. Something was about to happen. Something important. That would change everything.

That same day, Lira put on her best dress. It was made of some unusual fabric and sparkled in the light of artificial lighting. She looked as if she were going to a holiday.

Lira left the hut and disappeared into the gray haze. Nia remained in captivity, wondering what was happening. Where did she go? And what does it mean: “I feel that there is another one”? “I must find out. And be ready for any turn of events,” she thought.

Chapter 6

Several days passed, full of agonizing anticipation. What was Lira planning?

Finally, Lira returned. And she wasn't alone.

An unfamiliar man was walking next to her. He looked confused and disoriented. His clothes were simple and unpretentious, somewhat reminiscent of those in which Nia had awakened in the alley: a simple shirt and trousers, unobtrusive colors, no hint of high technology. Another lost soul.

He had a simple, hiking bag over his shoulder.

Nia felt her heart begin to beat faster. Who was this man? And why was he so similar to her? Like a reflection, but in a different mirror.