Omnitech Corporation

After bringing me back to the central station, Lion gives me a brief wave before walking away. Now, I must make this transition, moving from being the cozy clam in its shell to the grain of sand exposed under the scorching sun of the dune. The moment of peace is over, and the reality of the Pet Coffee Shop crushes me once again. I look around, seeking a direction, an action to take to avoid staying still, vulnerable. The executives are all occupied, and the other Pet Vibes have disappeared from the central area. Only Clara is there, crawling on the treadmill. A sigh of relief escapes me despite myself; at least, I'm not the only one not interacting. Determined to keep busy, I head towards the toy bin, wondering which one to choose to avoid drawing attention.

I lean over the bin, my eyes quickly scanning the toys until they freeze on the tug rope. A surge of painful memories comes to the surface: the brutal altercation with Clara this morning. I need to make a decision, and fast. Clara could finish her activity at any moment, and I really have no desire to confront her again today. I nervously rummage through the bin, diving my head inside, pushing toys aside with my nose. Finally, I choose a small, discreet rubber ring that I can throw and catch to improve my oral dexterity. A harmless choice, but at least I can keep busy without attracting attention.

After a few throws, I glance at the clock, hoping to have killed a bit more time. But to my great disappointment, only five minutes have passed. Time stretches endlessly when you're bored. An idea forms in my mind: to ask Gary for a break. The worst that could happen is he says no. I'm not risking much, so I decide to give it a try.

I head to the bin, take the moon in my mouth, and present myself in front of him. His stern gaze falls on me, his arms crossed, the silence heavy. He lets the wait linger, observing me with calculated intensity, as if savoring the suspense. I feel my heart beating faster, each second seeming like an eternity. Given his attitude, I don't expect a positive response. Yet, after a long moment, he finally raises an arm and gestures that I can retreat.

Relieved, I head back to my kennel, a fleeting smile creeping onto my lips. I don't know how long this break will last, but I cross my fingers that he'll forget about me a little. Just a bit of respite, away from prying eyes and incessant expectations.

A long moment passes, maybe forty minutes. I fully enjoy this respite, savoring the feeling of doing nothing, far from all expectations, far from gazes. But suddenly, my collar vibrates, abruptly interrupting my rest. I sit up, a sigh of resignation escaping me. I cautiously move forward to see what's happening: new executives have just arrived. I present myself again with my leash, opting for the same strategy as before, hoping discretion will spare me from humiliations.

Ashley and Clara stand beside me to welcome the newcomers, both ready, their posture perfect. My heart clenches slightly. The atmosphere becomes tenser, heavier. I try to keep calm, to hide my anxiety behind a mask of docility.

Two executives approach us directly, their determined stride leaving no doubt about their intentions. My heart tightens. They have something specific in mind. One of them looks at me with a sly smile. "The new girl seems to live up to her reputation. Apart from that fool Lion, no one has taken the time to get to know her yet." My throat tightens. This time, I'm sure: they're here specifically for me.

"The poor thing, you must feel very lonely," adds his accomplice, a mischievous smile stretching his lips. "But don't worry, we'll take care of your integration." His voice, falsely gentle, resonates like a sinister promise. What could pass for an attempt at comfort sounds more like a warning, a disguised threat, each word pressing on my growing anxiety.

Before I can react, the first executive firmly grabs my leash. "The walk can wait. We'll start with your initiation in a box." My body stiffens instantly, a cold shiver running down my spine. Images flash through my mind: laughter, mocking voices, pain, pleas stifled by shame. They're going to hang me up, humiliate me, play with me like a broken doll. My breath catches, every fiber of my being screaming to escape their grasp, but I remain frozen, unable to move, trapped by fear and anticipation of what's to come.

As they begin to lead me away, Clara suddenly approaches, a heart in her mouth. She presses her face against mine, gently brushing me, before giving the executives a tender look. Her presence shakes me, and I wonder, dazed, why she's acting this way. A strange light passes through her eyes, a mix of determination and defiance I've never seen in her before.

"Oh, but it's Clara! She wants to join in too!" one of the executives exclaims joyfully, a perverse gleam in his eyes. "Perfect, come help us train this little one." He grabs Clara's leash with his other hand, dragging us both towards the promised abyss of suffering.

Clara's unexpected contact, her almost affectionate gestures, confuse me. Is this an attempt to help me, or just another cruel game? I feel my heart pounding, each step towards that box bringing me closer to a pain I know all too well. My mind whirls, clashing with a thousand contradictory thoughts: is this betrayal or help? Why her, why now? But the questions remain unanswered as the doors of the box open before us, revealing the darkness and torment they contain.