MOONLIGHT SECRETS

(14 YEARS LATER)

“Morning Aria”. I glanced up at the speakers and placed the book I was reading on the table beside me.

“Hello Dr. Khaled, how are you this fine morning?” I asked as I spun in my chair so I could look through the large glass window. Dr. Khaled was an old man with white hair that seemed silver when he stood under light. In his hands he had the usual: a folder, a pen and a small metal tin with my tablets in. He opened a small slot in the metal door next to the glass window and slid the tin into my room. I watched as it skidded across the smooth floor and landed next to my feet.

“I will be much happier when I see you take those tablets, Ari”. I picked up the tin and counted the number of multicolored tablets. Five, just like usual. I placed them on the table and grabbed a glass of water from the filtered jug and drank.

“You know something Aria; I just don’t understand why they can’t just get you a mobile phone. I mean it’s just the most logical thing in the world isn’t it. Getyour dad to buy you a phone so I don't have to bloodywalk a mile just to see my best friend”, Gemma rants.

I burst into giggles as I watch Gemma's face slowlychange colors before she ends up looking like a tomatoready to burst.

“What? Why are you laughing” I just shook my head.

“I think the whole phone thing is unnecessary becauseit’s one less thing to sterilize”. Gemma rolls her eyesand takes a seat in the opposite room. For a second, Iforget that there is a glass window separating us and Iimagine us sitting together in my room, joking aroundand being typical teenagers. But then I reach forwardand I place a hand on the window and i feel the sharpcoldness of the glass and my imagination shatters intofragments.

Gemma sees my face fall and she reaches forward and places her hand opposite me.

“Hey, one day you will get out of here and that day I will take you anywhere. First, I will take you to Starbucks, and we will order the double sundae, chocolate chip ice cream with strawberry, and sprinkles and marshmallows on top.” I sigh as I feel my mouth water.

“Then we will go shopping, and then we will hit the cinema and watch whatever movie you want to”.

I smile. “And the...”

Gemma let’s out a short laugh before leaning in close that her breath fogs up the glass. “.. And then we will go to the forest and I will show you my wolf”.

I let out a tiny scream and jump from my chair, clapping my hands in the air like a child on Christmas being given their best gift in the world. It might seem pathetic that I live in a pack of werewolves and I have never seen a wolf transformation.