Nash, Kobi, and Miles

As we descended, I can feel that it is getting louder and louder. There's a slight screeching sound. And it is also shaky compared to the elevators I was used to riding.

Is it designed this way or is it a sign that it's already calling for maintenance? Can't it go any faster? Why is it so slow?

"The kids you will be watching over today are Nash, Kobi, and Miles. They're from the slums in Berkton. They have no parents and have been homeless for who knows how long. So I asked them if they want to participate in my research in exchange for shelter and food, they agreed."

And here I thought you forcefully pulled them here to become your labrat.

"They're quite a handful and loves to spout nonsense so it will be best if you just ignored them. I believe Mr. Alec already explained it to you but your job is to watch over them and calm them down whenever they have temper tantrums."

"Do they always have tantrums?" Because if they do, either they are having a hard time controlling their emotions, or maybe they need help from a mental health professional.

"Almost every day. Especially the girl, Miles. Whenever I try placating her she would always become aggressive and will not even let me touch her. She has quite a temper. I would be very happy if you can calm her down before I start my questioning."

Aggressive to the point of not letting you touch her? You're not hurting her, are you?

"I'll do my best."

When we got out of the elevator, only then did I notice that Ethan has been trembling in my hand. Is he afraid or something? I am getting nervous, his trembling must have a reason!

I wanted to ask him what's the matter but I can't really do that because Dr. Stitch is still with us. I tried my best to maintain my calm facade. I don't want him to notice anything abnormal from us.

We continued walking through another hallway. It has the same design as the one above. So far, I don't feel like we're walking to an underground laboratory yet. My expectation was that I will see a steampunk laboratory different from what we have in the 21st century. Various chemicals and equipment and some weird sticky liquid boiling in a large pot with semi-transparent smoke emanating from it.

I guess I was watching way too many movies back then.

"Mr. Jack, this is the kid's room. I will introduce you to them," he said as he opened the glass door in front of us. Through it, I can see a mini living room and some toys scattered on the floor.

The moment we entered, the very first thing that caught my attention were the three wooden doors painted with green paint. A name is written on each door. Starting from the right, it's Nash, Kobi, and then Miles on the left.

Dr. Stitch took something circular from his pocket. It looked like an audio signaling device. He pressed the red button in the middle and it produced a loud buzzing noise that reverberated around the room.

Moments later, we heard the sound of hurried footsteps followed by the opening of the door. But only the ones belonging to Nash and Kobi opened. Miles' door remained close, and I don't think she will be going out any moment soon.

Two boys with sandy hair now stood in front of us. The one on the right looked curious, the one on the left looked cautious.

"Mr. Jack, let me introduce you. This is Nash," he pointed the kid on the right. "While this is Kobi," he then pointed the other.

"And just like what I told you earlier, that kid called Miles is quite a handful. She's still inside her bedroom. I don't think she will get out any time soon. And I am hoping you can manage to convince her later to come with me without pulling out a tantrum."

"Nash, Kobi, this is Mr. Jack. He will be with you until tonight. So I hope you will be nice to him."

The kids didn't answer him but just instead, stared at him. They didn't even nod for confirmation. Do these kids have trouble understanding stuff or they're just being rebellious?

"Well then, Mr. Jack. I'll have to leave you with the kids. I'll be back later. Have fun."

And with that, Dr. Stitch left. And I notice that Ethan's trembling instantly stopped. Was he trembling because of Dr. Stitch?

The kids are staring at me but they are not talking. It looked like they are observing me.

I squatted so I could be equal to them. I put Ethan down on the floor before turning back to them. "Hi! I'm Jack. I'm hoping we'll get along until tonight. And this is my pet, Harley." I said as I pat Ethan on his back.

"Nash"

"Kobi"

"Hello, Nash and Kobi! How are you?"

"Fine," they both answered.

"I see. I heard from Dr. Stitch that there's still another kid with you. Where is she?"

"Bedroom," they both answered again.

"Can I see her?" This time they didn't answer.

"I cannot see her?"

"You can," it was Nash alone who answered this time. "But only if she allows you. If you knock at her door and don't open it and you force your way in, she'll become aggressive."

"Please, don't! She gets very noisy and it gets very annoying." Kobi interjected.

"Okay. I promise," I said and headed to the door with "Miles" written on it. I knocked three times and spoke in a rather gentle way as to not intimidate her. "Miles, can you open the door? It's me, Jack. I won't hurt you, I promise."

I don't know. I just had the feeling that I needed to tell her the last part somehow.

I waited for a couple of seconds before I finally heard some tiny footsteps. The doorknob twisted and the door opened. From the slit, a head of a child peeked out. She has long copper hair and green eyes.