Total pages in book: 209
Estimated words: 196141 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 981(@200wpm)___ 785(@250wpm)___ 654(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 196141 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 981(@200wpm)___ 785(@250wpm)___ 654(@300wpm)
Kaleb slides onto a chair, but before he can even speak, 987 is on him. “There’s a plan, 1025, a real fucking plan this time.”
Kaleb covers his nose, leans forward, listens.
As 987 describes everything, his bright eyes burn brighter with inspiration. He keeps running a hand through his short, dark curls of hair, strands falling in all directions. A few times, Kaleb’s mind wanders, lost in the details of 987’s energy and confusing explanations. This isn’t the first time 987 has become obsessed with an escape plan, but it’s certainly one of his more elaborate ones. How many more will Kaleb have to hear about before people like 987 stop trying to escape? All plans fall to pieces before they even begin. Kaleb takes part in none of them, thinking them all to be traps.
It’s a moment before Kaleb realizes 987 stopped talking. He clears his throat, shifts in the seat. “Oh.”
987 stares at him. “Oh? That’s all you gotta say?”
“I just … I mean …” Kaleb picks at his fingernails. “It’s just that the last time someone planned an escape …”
“Shh!” 987 flings his hands out to cover Kaleb’s mouth as he inspects the room with his eyes. Of course they’re still alone. He lowers his voice to nearly a squeak. “This isn’t like the last time. We have a real shot of getting outta here.”
There is little Kaleb can do to talk 987 out of it. Whenever he’s got his mind set, there’s no unsetting it. “But—”
“You don’t understand. Even 77 is part of it. 77! He’s got 100 wrapped around his finger. With the two of them, we can take on the upstairs. Plus the one who works in the infirmary. How many is that now? Six, with you and me and 303?”
“303 is in on this, too?” asks Kaleb, voice sinking.
“Hey, don’t worry, I know 303 is a handful, but he’s useful. And that means his crazy smart girlfriend 304 is also in. That makes seven. Come on, man, we all have to do this or it’ll fall apart. Power in numbers. I told 77 you were already onboard.”
Kaleb nearly flies from his seat, stunned. “But I’m not!”
987 hushes him again, grabs his sleeve and yanks him back down, then scoots close to him, face in front of Kaleb’s, breath reeking and soured with anxiety. “You know what people think of us high numbers. We are celebrities here. Never even visited the blood donation room upstairs, up that elevator. Haven’t you wondered what it looks like up there? I heard it’s fucking magical. Bright green walls. Some Bloods even work as nurses. Like, maybe ten or twenty of them. One of those nurses is in on it, too. We’re getting out, 1025, finally, out-out.” Kaleb tries to pull away, but 987 keeps pulling him closer. “Don’t be afraid, man, this plan is foolproof. We’ve been studying the schedules of the Blood nurses for months now, down to the second, man, it does not waver. You should be more excited!”
Kaleb’s voice is small and thin. “I feel like something bad is going to happen. To all of you. I don’t want to … to lose you.”
987 seems to find that funny. “Aww, you’ve grown attached to me, huh? Are we best friends now after all this time?” He slaps a hand onto Kaleb’s back, startling him. “Hey, we can still be best friends … out there in the real world. I run a bakery in San Diego. Well, my brother does, Matteo, hopefully still does after all these years, depending on a few things. You can work with us. I will get you a job. You can live with me and my big brother. He will be so relieved I’m back. I bet he misses me like crazy.” At once, 987 chokes up, eyes watery with emotion. He presses a fist to his lips, fights it back. “C-Can’t wait to see him again.”
Kaleb peers over his shoulder, hearing chatter in the halls outside. The other cafeterias are filling. It will be over an hour now until Kaleb can eat, considering how long and slowly the serving lines run when it’s this busy. He really wishes he had eaten first before meeting 987.
“You want to get out, don’t you?” asks 987. His face softens. “You haven’t … been out of this place since … since decades ago, huh? I forgot it’s been so long for you, longer than a lot of us.”
Kaleb’s stomach groans at him, restless. He remains silent.
“Lost count? Fuck, I forget about it sometimes. You’ve been here your whole life long. That’s gotta …” 987 chokes up again. “That’s gotta eat away at your soul, man. But hey, isn’t that all the more reason to get out? 77’s rooting for you. He roots for no one. Bring your violin,” he says suddenly, eyes brightening. “Actually, no, leave it. I’ll buy you a new one in the real world. I’ll buy you ten. You and me, out there living our best lives. Don’t let this place be your coffin. Fight your way out. I’m knocking on your door the night it’s happening. It’ll be one of these nights, my friend, maybe even tomorrow. Be ready.”