It has been a few months since the unknown has resided in that body. It grows every moment. With every memory, it rebuilds. With every emotion it learns to mimic.
It didn't even relapse anymore.
Lucas no longer treats it like an experiment. Not truly.
"Good afternoon, Lucas. You sure brought a lot today. Is it for him?" the youngest scientist stopped and asked as they met in the hallway.
"Of course. Who else could it be?" Lucas replied, arms full of picture books and soft toys.
"Here are today's check-up reports. No biological changes."
"Thanks…" Lucas thumbed through the pages with half-interest.
"We got something odd today." He added.
"What is it?"
"I think…" He offered a quiet laugh, "I think he's developed boredom. During the morning routine, it is not the usual expression, more of a disinterested one."
Boredom. It can express more complex emotions now.
"I'm going to write this one, don't steal it!" The young one insisted as he left the elevator.
Lucas opens the metal door, and a light shines through as he enters. The sterile room, once echoing with cold observation, now looks like a cross between a greenhouse and a child's playroom. A table garden blooms beneath artificial light. Stacks of books sit beside puzzle blocks and coloring sets.
Lucas stepped inside and laid the books gently on the central table.
"I brought some new stories."
They stared at each other for a moment. Lucas looked into those fog-colored irises like trying to read their emotions.
"What's wrong?"Lucas asked gently. "Got tired of reading?"
Meat shook his head. His hair was wild, curled like a bramble from sleep and static.
"Did Joshua upset you?"
Another shake of the head.
It suddenly started pointing to each plant, carefully saying its name.
Lucas straightened in surprise, but didn't speak.
"Did I get it correct?" The Meat said with determination.
Lucas blinked, startled for a second… then smiled.
"Yes…congratulations."
I linger near the far wall, unseen, as always. But I feel the shift.
This body…shouldn't have lasted. But here he is. Being happy.
Remembering flower names. No one would believe me if I told them this was a reanimated corpse.
I watch and wonder where this soul should belong.
That meat is really like a flower long thought dead, kept alive by some hidden root. That part that should've been lost…It's coming back.
I tested. My scythe still cannot touch him. Something has re-woven his soul to a dead body—What? And how? something from the depths of that place? Or did those scientists really win against the Natural Order?