Lone

"Containment Breach, Containment Breach!" blared the site intercom as a distinctive red light began flashing over Zoey's eyes. "Attention all site personal, there has been a containment breach in sector thirteen, Specimen Thirteen-twenty one is loose…(sigh)...again!" Stopping to admire her fifth daring escape in three months from containment, Zoey scoffed at the intercom, exclaiming, "It's Zoey, Z-O-E-Y!" "Why is it so hard to remember that? I've known you for three years, Dave." As Zoey began sprinting down the familiar cold steel corridors of the Unexplained Phernomon Occult, also known as the UPO Foundation, her heart began to race, pulsating fifteen beats a minute as she would soon see the freedom she's long craved. With the wind to her back, and the thought of sunshine illuminating her dulled eyes, Zoey flew down the final hallway. Sweet freedom being fifteen feet away, every step was growing ever closer to the "thump!"

"You know what your problem is, you too obvious." As a familiar voice began to resonate in her ears, Zoey started collecting herself from her latest downfall. "In three months, this is your fifth breach and second time taking the back corridors. I'm surprised you made it this far, anyway, come on before the brutes find you." Towering over Zoey at six-foot-two, dressed in all black commando and timberland boots, paired with her signature stone-cold scowl stood site director Dr. Mang, but to Zoey, she's always been Lassana. "Please, you know you love chasing me, were like Wiley Coyote and the Roadrunner!" exclaimed Zoey. Altering her once menacing scowl to a delightful smirk, Lassana began chuckling as the two made their way to the foundation cafeteria.

The UPO foundation's cold steel interior is not for the faint of heart. In a world filled with the paranormal and otherworldly phenomenon straight from your worst childhood nightmares, it's not every day you get to see them up-close. Founded after the second world war, in a collaboration between the Axis Powers and the newly formed United Nations, the UPO foundation exists with the sole purpose of locating and containing any paranormal entities for future study, less any of them pose a threat to humanity. Housing everything to the legendary chupacabra that terrorized Mexico, along with lesser-known entities like a coffee maker that can grant wishes like a genie. While most would find the site of such a facility unnerving, to Zoey, it's been home for the better part of three years, after becoming patient zero for the world-ending zombie virus.

As the two grew closer to the mess hall, Zoey's eyes began to wonder; glancing upon one of the windows allowed in the facility, a familiar frown returned to Zoey's face, a look Lassanna knew all too well. "Everything alright?" Lassana said, gesturing herself toward Zoey. As Zoey rotated her gaze toward her old friend, changing her scowl to a grin of joy, "Yeah, why do you ask?" Zoey said. "Curious, you're yakking my ear off by now... you're not still having nightmares about barn owls, are you? I told you not to watch that movie?" Lassana questioned. Zoey chuckled, "No, I stopped having those a week ago." "I'm fine; it's nothing to worry about." Zoey insisted, hoping not to worry her friend with old problems. But all the while, Lassanna knew what was bothering her.

Making their way to the foundation cafeteria, Zoey's pupils began to dilate as the aroma of spicy Ramon filled her nostrils with excitement. A once overly saturated dish Zoey could muster has now become her favorite meal as the tantalizing taste is the thing that can excite her dulled palette. With a smile that can illuminate the sun, Zoey began prancing through the commissary, greeting everyone from guards, staff, and fellow specimens alike. Despite the UPO facility's prison-like nature, Zoey always finds herself in high spirits, making the best of the situation. After receiving their dual order of spicey noodles, Zoey and Lassana make their way to their usual seating near the room's back. A nice quiet area under the air conditioner and near the window sometimes allowing sunlight to freckle Zoey's pale complexion.

"I have good news," Lassana said as the two began to adjust themselves. "What's up?" said Zoey with curiosity in her eyes. "I've been talking to your doctors, and they believe they might have the cure to your condition, isn't that great? No more spicy noodles dates for you," Lassana chuckled. "Great, I can't wait to hear the results," Zoey said with slight hesitation in her voice. Lassana continued to look upon her old colleague. Reminiscing upon the girl she once knew before her infection and longing to return. "You know, I think this could be the one, they discovered this new protein that bonds to your infected cells," said Lassana. "Alright!" Zoey yelled, her eye glowing crimson red while slamming her hands on the table. As her actions began to grab the commissary's attention, Zoey's face began to turn bright red in the realization of what has occurred. "I am so sorry for losing my cool like that," Zoey said in remorse, unable to even make eye contact. "It's no big deal; I get it. It's been a long week all around." Said Lassana. "More like a long three years," Zoey muttered under her breath. "Come again?" questioned Lassana. "Nothing," Zoey replied. "But for now, can we pretend I'm normal? My conditions the last thing I want to talk about," said Zoey. "What condition?" Lassannna said sincerely. "Thanks, but if it's all the same with you, I'm not that hungry; I'm going to turn in," Zoey replied. "No problem, I'll see you in the morning for your check-up...and don't be late." Said Lassana. "When am I ever late?" Zoey chuckled, gathering the remains of her meal. As Zoey began heading toward the exit, she glanced at the window, taking one last longing look, as the sunlight illuminated the grounds, knowing she'll never experience its joy. She was alone.