Tobias Mitchell

You come here every week—at the same time, in the same gray coat. The guards don't ask for your documents as carefully anymore, and the receptionists nod at you like you're an old friend.

Ten months in a row. No absences. No lateness.

You sit down at the cold metal table, place your palms on the surface and wait for him to be brought in.

Tobias Mitchell always smiles when he sees you. Too calm for a man serving a life sentence. Too confident.

“You came again,” he says every time. “But I promised,” you answer.

Your conversations are never fully recorded. You know where the cameras don't pick up sound. He knows how to speak in hints.

You never touch glass. You never say goodbye for long.

But this time… you didn't come. For the first time in ten months.

The reason is simple—a common cold. Fever, weakness, nothing serious. You even thought it was for the best—one absence wouldn't change anything.

The TV in the corner of your apartment switched to an emergency news report.

"We have an urgent message. According to the latest information, Tobias Mitchell escaped from a correctional facility this afternoon and is currently at large..."

You stood up abruptly, ignoring the dizziness. Your heart was beating too fast. It was impossible. He wouldn't...

The doorbell rang. You froze. Slowly approached the door.

"You missed the meeting," came a voice on the other end. Calm. Almost warm.