(Viewpoint: Alpha-1)
The next day, I had only one goal.
Observer.
To wait for.
The researchers had opened the Garden, a vast space covered in snow but also in perfectly manicured flowers.
The Sigmas loved this part of the garden.
They ran between the paths, laughing, and also tore flowers to make crowns as if it were a game.
I stayed back.
As always.
My gaze never left that thing.
Asmara .
For several days, everything had been gradually returning to normal.
The children started talking to him again.
To laugh with her.
To call him.
Just like before.
As if nothing had happened.
I hate it.
Every smile she received made me feel like something was being taken from me.
For what...
Why her?
I am much better than her.
I moved away from the group.
Without noise.
I knew she would eventually follow me.
She did it often.
She always wanted to fix things.
…
– she is so naive
Footsteps.
She's coming.
Spring.
Prudent.
– Alpha…
I didn't reply and pretended to be admiring the flowers.
She moved even closer.
– Can you listen to me for a minute?
Always that soft voice.
Always that smile.
As if everything could be fixed.
I finally turned my head.
– Why are you following me?
She lowered her eyes.
– I... I just wanted to.
- What ?
– Why do you hate me so much…
I let a silence settle in.
Long enough to make her uncomfortable.
Then I breathed:
– You are very boring.
She frowned.
- What ?
– You're tiring me out, you're a thief.
Sigma-0.
Their attention.
You arrive... and everyone stares at you.
She shook her head gently.
– That's not true, I've never stolen.
– Yes.
I snickered.
– You're lying, liar.
His face finally tensed.
– I'm not lying.
– So why are you sticking to me?
She opened her mouth.
Then she closed it, and she tightened the ends of her clothes.
I continued.
– You're pretending to be nice.
– No.
– You said it, you smiled because you want them to like you.
– Stop...
His voice was trembling.
I could see it.
She was starting to lose her grip on reality.
It was almost fascinating.
– You know what I believe?
She remained silent, holding back her tears.
– you just love being the center of attention.
– That's not true!
Her reply hit harder than she intended.
I smile inwardly.
Finally.
– big liar…
She clenched her fists.
– You know nothing about me.
– I know you're pretending.
– You're no better, you don't even have a friend!
Her voice echoed in the garden.
The chatter died away.
His breathing became irregular.
Her eyes were shining.
I had finally cracked his composure.
She took a step towards me.
Then another one.
– You're the annoying one
I shrugged.
– Stop! I don't want to
His face changed.
All that remained was anger.
She pushed me.
I couldn't resist.
I deliberately stepped back.
One more step.
Then another one.
She raised her fist.
I didn't move.
The blow hit my shoulder.
Then a second one.
I fell to the ground.
Without trying to defend myself.
I could easily stop him.
Of course I could, I was just a little kid.
But it wasn't the right time.
I remained curled up.
Arms in front of the face.
Like a frightened child.
Asmara was breathing heavily.
She herself seemed surprised by what she had just done.
That's when voices rang out.
– Alpha !
Sigma-0.
The others arrived running.
Luckily, the teachers never interfere in our affairs.
They stopped abruptly.
Silence fell.
They discovered the scene.
Me, on the ground, my hand cut off.
Asmara, debout.
His fist was still clenched.
No one spoke for several seconds.
Sigma-7 was the first to whisper:
– She… she hit her…
Asmara turned her head abruptly.
– Wait! It's not—
She stopped.
All eyes were already fixed on her.
The same suspicious looks.
The same as a few days earlier.
The old rumors seemed to be resurfacing.
Sigma-18 instinctively retreated.
Sigma-12 lowered his eyes.
Even those who had started talking to him again seemed hesitant.
Sigma-0 immediately knelt down beside me.
– Alpha... are you okay?
I replied in a very small voice:
- Yes...
Yet I kept my eyes downcast.
I didn't need to say anything more.
The silence did all the work.
Asmara shook her head.
– I... it's not what you think...
His voice was trembling.
She looked at each of the Sigmas.
Looking for someone who would believe her.
But nobody knew what to think.
Uncertainty had set in.
And sometimes...
Doubt did more damage than an accusation.
I discreetly raised my eyes.
Nobody paid any attention to me.
So, for just a moment...
I smile.
A smile so brief that it vanished before anyone could notice it.
The game wasn't over.
But, for today...
I had regained the advantage.
Only a child could fall into the same trap twice.