The Ruthless Return of Subject Seven

Kidnapped at seven, I spent fifteen years in the lawless badlands across the border.

In the official archives, my identity was just a string of numbers. I had no name.

After I was finally brought back, my dad named me Serene—wishing me a peaceful turn of fortune.

I forced myself to blend in, learning how to pick out discounted eggs at the grocery store and how to smile politely at the neighbors.

My mom, terrified I wouldn’t adjust to normal life, held my hand every single day during our afternoon walks.