Ruby managed to wake up on time this morning. She felt relaxed and well rested, despite the poor sleep she had gotten last night. Once again, there were no new supplies. What would be used today? Ruby decided to place her nonexistent bet on the pen. After double checking to make sure that she hadn't lost any of her supplies in the chaos of yesterday's game, Ruby went off to find Ivy.
As usual, Ivy was all over the place, checking in with the other dolls, making sure that everyone was alright and prepared for the games. So, Ruby just decided to wait her turn. Where was Mia? Normally, Mia would be the first one to eagerly greet Ruby. But Ruby hadn’t seen her all morning. Had something happened? Was Mia alright? Could something have happened last night? Or maybe she had just slept in, and Ruby was worrying for no reason. That was probably the truth. But telling herself that didn't get rid of that uneasy feeling that was sweeping over Ruby. At long last, Ivy made her way over to Ruby.
"Are you feeling better?" asked Ivy.
"Yeah, thanks. Is Mia doing okay? I haven't seen her all morning."
"Oh, yeah, she's fine. She had a bad night, so I'm letting her sleep in. I just hope that she isn't too sleepy."
"Well, that's too bad. Have you heard anything from Blossom since yesterday?"
"No, but she's probably doing just fine," said Ivy. Ruby saw her perfect segue and took it.
"So, Blossom told you about my escape and that is how you knew who I was, right?" she asked.
“Yeah. I just found the whole thing very interesting. The story spread like wildfire, so it was also impossible to avoid. So, I asked Blossom about it. It is very impressive that you were actually able to see what the outside world was like.”
“Yeah. Have you ever thought about escaping, Ivy?” She might as well just come out and ask the question. Ivy chuckled.
“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t dreamed about it. But I’ve never seriously thought about it, no. That would be nuts,” said Ivy. “It’s a really cool idea that my mind circles back to from time to time. But I have enough to think about. Time is something I can’t afford to waste on daydreams, Ruby.”
“So… you’ve never once tried to escape?”
“Nope. Like I said, I like hearing Blossom’s stories. But things have changed, Ruby. The city is more secure than ever. Both Blossom and I can see that. Your escape was incredible. Now, escape would be impossible.” So, Blossom too had given up on the idea of freedom. Ruby sighed. She had half-expected this answer. Maybe she should just leave Ivy be.
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“But don’t you want to leave this place? Don’t you think life would be better if you were free?”
“Of course. I don’t enjoy dying painfully every couple of months. That being said, my focus is on staying alive for as long as I can.” Ruby couldn’t understand this. Live, die, live, die, over and over again. Was Ivy really fine living like this?
“That just sounds horrible,” whispered Ruby.
“It is. I never said it wasn’t.”
“Isn’t this exactly what the overseers want? None of us are even fighting back. We do whatever we’re told, just as if we were part of a machine.”
“Look, I have people to take care of. There are people relying on me. Survival is my priority.” A bitterness had entered Ivy’s voice.
“But why?” asked Ruby.
“ME NO WANT TO DIE! Why is that so hard to understand?” Ivy said.
“I-I understand. But you will die, even the winners die. You’ve died before and you’ll die over and over and over again. Survival is a fleeting thing here,” said Ruby. “I don’t understand why you’d make it your priority when it is such a fragile thing,” Ruby added. Ivy didn’t answer. She just turned away. Maybe Ruby should stop. But there was a part of her that wanted to push Ivy harder. Ivy’s anger was a sign that Ruby had gotten to her.
“Ivy?” Ruby looked up at the sound of Mia’s voice. “Where are you?” Mia stood at the edge of the hall. Her eyes drifted around the room aimlessly. A gasp escaped Ruby. Who in the world was this little girl who looked just like Mia? There was no zeal or amusement on her face. The only emotion in her eyes was pain.
“I’m right here,” Ivy whispered. Every ounce of the bitterness left Ivy’s tone as she rushed over to the child. Shock filled Ruby. Had something happened last night? Was she sick? Dolls couldn’t get sick, right? Ruby watched as Ivy crouched down next to the child and whispered something to her. Mia didn’t respond. Instead, she just stumbled forward and rested her head on Ivy’s shoulder.
“Can all dolls please make their way to the square? I repeat, can all the dolls please make their way to the square?” Mary’s voice filled the air. With shaking hands, Ruby grabbed her sack, keeping her eyes on Mia and Ivy as she did so. She couldn’t hear any of what Ivy was saying. But Ruby saw Mia relax as Ivy wrapped her arms around the child and lifted her gently. The expression on Mia’s face would forever be burned into Ruby’s mind. The poor thing looked as if she was frozen by misery. Her large brown eyes were fearful and tired as if she was staring at something horrible, but didn’t have the strength to react. Ivy met Ruby’s eyes and gave her a shaky smile.
“It’s okay. This happens sometimes. Her powers have certain side effects that can really impact her from time to time,” was all Ivy said. What kind of side effects? This looked like a completely different Mia. Questions spun around in Ruby’s mind. But she knew that this wasn’t the time to ask them. Slowly, Ruby followed the other dolls out into the street. For now, Ruby knew that she needed to shut her brain off. For now, Ivy was right. Her priority would be survival. Blossom was already in the square. She looked up and smiled at Ruby when she caught sight of her. Ruby smiled back and made her way over to Blossom. It was probably important to give Ivy and Mia some space.
“Welcome back once again to each and every single one of you!” Mary cheered. “Today’s game is going to be a little bit different!” How many times would Ruby hear those words? Probably every single day for the rest of her life. Ruby sighed. It was going to be a long day.