“Afraid of what you’d do if you found out there are more of us. More humans.”

Emma’s hands intertwined like she was attempting to tie her fingers into a knot.

“I know I should’ve told you sooner.” She spoke through a cracked whisper. “I’m sorry.”

“Are you truly sorry?” I asked. “Or is this another of your lies?” Emma did not answer.

I stared at her. “Based upon your past actions, I can only conclude that you are still lying. That you are manipulating us to get what you want.”

Ceeron placed a heavy hand on my shoulder. “XR—perhaps you are being too hard on her.”

“Or perhaps I have been too easy on her this entire time. Because of her, I neglected my job. I abandoned my purpose. I kept secrets. I lied to my FamilyUnit. Ever since Emma came into my life, I have behaved in a way that is . . . that is . . .”

Human

My memory drive replayed everything I had learned about humans since Day[1]. Every single flaw my FamilyUnit had pointed out to me. Every awful detail from PRES1DENT’s Daily Addresses.

Humans were unpredictable/illogical/reckless/deceitful/dangerous. And now—so was I.

Because of Emma.

I glanced down at the flower-print shirt I was wearing. I was even dressed like a human.

I no longer wanted this reminder. I ripped the hat from my head and tossed it into the trees. I tried to do the same with the shirt, but only managed to get myself tangled up in it. I had so little experience with human clothing. The fabric twisted in my fingers. My arms were stuck inside the sleeves.

Emma held up a hand. “Here. Let me help.”

I stepped away from her. “I do not want your help.”

Abandoning my efforts to remove the shirt, I allowed it to hang from my shoulders.

“We should have never trusted you.” I glared sharply at her. “Now we are being hunted. We will never be able to return to our jobs. Our FamilyUnits. Our lives.”

SkD let out a warning beep. I ignored it. I continued speaking.

“It is too late to undo the mistakes I have already made. But I refuse to help you any longer.”

Sorrow chased desperation around Emma’s face. “Please, XR. If I could just . . .”

I did not want to hear the rest of what she had to say. I turned around and walked in the other direction.

SkD caught up with me. Its treads spinning, its screen glowing.

I stopped long enough to say, “I do not care that it upsets you. I am leaving.”

I started walking again. I did not look back.

01010101

Ceeron and Emma called after me, but I did not slow down. Soon their voices faded entirely. All I could hear were the thump of my footsteps against the ground and the thwack of branches bending/cracking/breaking.