Eva looked back over the plain. The tree she had been traveling on had now joined the others and was indistinguishable from the rest. They were like a holographic herd of green elephants. Looking up at the sun’s rays, which were trying to force their way through the overcast sky, Eva felt a wave of cold numbness overtake her. She felt vulnerable and frightened—she had never been in an open space this vast.

Ever.

Her sweaty grip loosened, and Eva dropped the stone. She stood, frozen in place.

I need to run, she thought. Run as fast as I can back home.

“But I can’t do that,” Eva said aloud. “I need to be strong.”

I wish I could fly. Then I could explore the whole world from the safety of the clouds.

“I wish I was safe back in my room.” Eva swallowed. “I could be watching Beeboo and Company right now.”

But now I am free. No one can tell me what to do.

“No one? There is no one here! Where is everybody?” Eva shouted.

I must search for them. I must find them.

“I’m tired. I don’t know if I can do this.” She looked down at her rock and moped.

I need to prove to Muthr that I was right and she was wrong.

The numbness passed. Eva wiped her damp palms on her tunic. She turned toward the distant smoky column and began walking again, thinking of the robot as she trudged forward. “Muthr was right. I’m a failure. I don’t think I am ready for surface exploration,” Eva said, pulling out her Omnipod.

“Eva Nine,” the device greeted her. “How may I be of service?”

“Begin transmission signal,” she commanded. “Coordinates are at HRP facility . . . number . . . um . . . Hold on. Can you replay Muthr’s message from last night?”

“Of course,” chirped the Omnipod.

“Eva, dear,” Muthr’s recording said as the projection of her head reappeared, “this message was recorded on the chance that you have successfully escaped the Sanctuary. I know—”

The Omnipod shut off abruptly as Eva stumbled over a rough inconspicuous rock lying on the ground in front of her. The rock began chattering as it scuttled out from under Eva on its numerous legs. Its stony exoskeleton opened up, revealing a pair of brightly colored membranous wings. It buzzed as it flew away, and then it landed near a large hole some ways off. Eva watched it settle, changing its color to match the cluster of ivory-colored stones and sticks that surrounded the hole. “The rocks walk too?” Eva asked. “Maybe I do have a lot more training to do.” She rechecked her position and hiked toward the forest where her Sanctuary was nestled.