We are not humans

“Are you done admiring the view?” he asked me.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me,” I said, lowering my head. Suddenly, he stood up and walked toward me. Without a second thought, I immediately dropped to my knees, hands on my thighs, head bowed. I had offended him, and he was going to punish me. I had hoped things would be different, but here it was starting all over again—though perhaps if I behaved well, he wouldn’t hit me.

“What are you doing?”

“Please, don’t hit me! I’ll do whatever you want, just please don’t hit me,” I pleaded, sobbing. I knew I was only making things worse, but I couldn’t stop the tears.

“Please, get up. I’m not going to hit you; I just want to ask you a few questions, that’s all. Stand up and take a seat.”

“Thank you.”

“Your first name, please?”

“Bella.”

I stood up and sat on the chair opposite his, behind the desk. He stared at me for a moment, looking perplexed, then went back to his own seat.

— I am Kael, and I run this place. Why have you come here? No one dares to venture this far, as the weather conditions are far from favorable.

— I was simply looking for a place where no one would dare to come looking for me.

— Why? Are you running away from someone?

— Yes, I said, lowering my head.

— Who?

— My ex.

He stared at me for a second before continuing:

— Is your life in danger?

— Y-yes, I said, beginning to cry.

— Don’t you have any family—someone you could take refuge with? — No, I’m an orphan.

He stood up and walked toward the glass wall.

— We will provide everything you need to rebuild your life far away from him, but you cannot stay here. You must leave.

— No, no—please! This is the only place he would never dare to come looking for me. He’s very powerful; he has connections and everything. The moment I set foot in an airport, he’ll find me. Please, I’ll do whatever you want! I’ll work for you—I’ll clean, I’ll do the dishes—you don’t even have to pay me. All I’m asking for is a roof over my head, that’s all. I beg you!

I dropped to my knees before him to plead. I could see anger in his eyes, but I had no choice—it was either beg him or return to the hell I’d been living in.

— You cannot stay here. I say this for your own good; you wouldn’t be able to survive in this climate.

— I can adapt! You live here, and you’ve adapted—just look at how you dress. Please, give me a chance—just one month. If I haven’t adapted after a month, I’ll leave.

— The cold isn’t the only problem. You aren’t of our kind.

— What do you mean, I’m not of your kind? I’m human, just like you!

He turned, walked toward me, crouched down, and took hold of my chin, looking straight into my eyes.

— We are not human.