Gilbert and I made well placed steps at the same time together on the hallway floor. It was a start of a new day, and my first full day as a animal handler. We were on our way to Prem's room to start that off.

My first night sleeping in Temra was better than I thought, better than the nights before I came here. It was probably because I calmed myself down from everything. After all, there was no use in worrying and panicking about my future. Of course, I was still thinking about my girlfriend and my skateboard, which I WILL find a way to get back. I do intend on it, as I do intend on calling Maddie.

I hadn't called her yet since I woke up. I planned to after I was done taking a shower in the small bathroom in the glass wall in my bedroom, but I didn't get a chance. Shortly I was done and about to get fully dressed, Gilbert was knocking on my door, apparently already showed up for work. Guess I oughta get myself ready more faster next time around. I figured I'd call her later. I know she probably misses me already, and so do I, but I think we both can hold on a little while longer.

Me and Gilbert continued on as I asked, "Tell me again, why are we going to Prem's room before we eat breakfast?" I placed my palm on my stomach, "I'm pretty hungry."

Gilbert answered, "Because her room is on the same route as the cafeteria, and we need to check on her. She expects me in the mornings."

I made a crack, "Like I probably should."

Gilbert chuckled, throwing me a grin, "Gotta make sure you were up and going on your first day. A handler is always up and on time."

I remarked, "On time won't be a problem since I'm living here."

Gilbert stated factly, "Sure, but getting up is a different story. You should always be up and going every day at the same time. No late bloomers is allowed for this sort of deal. The animal's welfare is always important. You were lucky you were about ready for work, or I'd have think you weren't taking this job seriously."

I insisted, "I think I am. I haven't set it up yet, but don't worry, I'll set up my alarm clock I brought with me."

He commented, "Good thinkin. And don't you worry. I know you are hungry like a tiger, but you'll get your pickings very soon. Always gotta be up and going on time and always gotta check on Prem before you have your balanced breakfast."

I said, "Yeah, yeah, I got it."

Gilbert then remarked in a seemingly serious voice, "I just hope she had ate her cat food last night. She always gets cranky when she's up and feeling VERY hungry."

I gave him a concerned look with a raised brow, "Seriously?"

"Yeah. She might even see US as breakfast." I was feeling real nervous from that statement. But then he looked at me...And started laughing, "Ahahahahahaha!" That's when I realized he was joking and I was rolling my eyes. Gilbert slapped my back as we still paced across the floor, "Relax, I was fucking with you. Prem's friendly as all get out, remember? She knows who her masters are and knows when to respect someone."

I spoke after shaking my head, "I should have known." Why did I even fall for that? Prem's not going to hurt you, Jason. You already established that.

Gilbert added with a serious expression and tone, "But hey, even if she did act like she wanted to eat us, she'd be in serious ass trouble...And I'll be teaching you how to punish her."

I shrugged my shoulders, "That's ok with me. Long as I'm not eaten I'm good."

The senior animal handler concurred, "Me too."

While we were silent, I thought back to yesterday. Huh...Come to think of it, he hasn't taught me how to 'punish' Prem when she acts aggressive. He has taught me some about my job, but not that part. It'll come soon probably, but I think he should teach me that NOW. What if I'm alone with the tiger because he called in sick and she acted that way? Well, if she was in the cage, I can imagine how he'd punish her. Probably leave her in it and not let her out for a day. That doesn't seem too hard. But what would happen if she acted mean OUTSIDE it? I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING I SHOULD BE TAUGHT RIGHT NOW!

I shook my head to myself. Oh, I'll ask him about that later. Prem might behave well today as yesterday. You really need to calm down, Jason.

Me and Gilbert finally made it to Prem's room. When I first entered, I flipped the light switch on and the ceiling light casted a glare over the whole room. In the cage within the room, the female tiger was right exactly where we left her. She was laying on the mattress, on her stomach with her striped side facing us. Prem awoke and twisted her head to see us. I stepped forward deeper into the room toward the cage, seeing her staring right at me instead of my senior counterpart. Well...She doesn't look cranky. So far so good.

Gilbert moved and stopped in front of the cage. He greeted her after showing a big grin, "Good morning. Did you eat last night?" His gaze checked the food bowl in the cage. I looked at it from where I'm at, and can see it was empty. Gilbert praised as the tiger started standing on her feet and stretching, "Ohhh, you did. Good job, girl." In response, the tiger let out a huge, wide opened yawn. Then she strolled to get closer to the cage bars. Gilbert asked the thing, "So, what do you wanna do? You wanna eat some more, or go to the dome and do whatever?" The tiger casted a glance at the door. Gilbert seemed to take the hint, "Alright." He turned to me and ordered, "Hey kid, unlock the gate for her, will ya?"

I nodded, strolling for the key on the wall. I snatched it off the hook and came back to the gate. I was giving Prem a friendly smile while I was unlocking it, "Okay, stripes, time to get outta here." I opened it up, then motioned my hand for her, beckoning in a low tone, "C'mon, girl."

Prem looked up at me for a moment, then she padded on through the gate. Before she could even walk past me, her side practically rubbed against mine, as if thanking me for letting her out. When she was done and moved up a yard, she twisted her head to look at me. I think in her mind she was asking 'Well are you coming?'.

I giggled as me and Gilbert got to where she was, "Sorry bout that. We're coming." Then we all headed out the room and into the hallway.

Prem was about to head off to a different direction than me and Gilbert were going, then he barked, "Ah!" He pointed a commanding finger at her and Prem stopped in her tracks and looked at him. To me, she seemed confused to why this happened. I can feel that off her. Gilbert told her in a very serious tone, "We're not going that way. We're heading to the dome. Stick with us, Prem...You know better." He slowly moved his finger to the direction we're going, and Prem did as he commanded, padding for it.

We made it all the way to the entrance of the habitat dome without incident. I shoved open those double doors and Prem went along through them. The morning sun in the sky above the dome greeted her as she stepped forth in there. The female tiger turned fully around to face us, her tail swishing behind her. Gilbert said to her, "We'll be back to feed you later. Have fun in there."

Prem turned her gaping eyes toward me, and I could've sworn I see them holding plea. I wrinkled my brow. Is she really doing that? I don't think I saw an animal do that before...

Gilbert interrupted my thoughts by a pat on my back, "Let's go, kid." I looked at him and he continued, "Unless you want to stay here with her and skip breakfast."

I said, shaking my head, "No, I'm coming." I pulled both the doors shut and wandered back the way we came with Gilbert. Not too long later we barged ourselves through the cafeteria doors, the aroma of breakfast smacked me in the face as we entered the big room. Gilbert and I quickly strode to the counter at the back and found Elsa working in the kitchen like yesterday.

Gilbert hollered, pounding a fist against the metal counter, "Yo, doll! Two handlers waiting to be served here!" He hooted in laughter, thinking that was a riot. I rolled my eyes with a little smile. Oh man.

Elsa shot back, "I see you, hold on!" I glanced back at the long tables trying to find my father among the other people that work here. I didn't see him. Must not be at work yet.

Fine with me. Like yesterday, I ain't in the mood to talk to him now. I just want to eat my breakfast and mind my own business for a while.

Elsa came with our plates, both having hash browns and scrambled eggs. Gilbert smiled with the hint of attraction as he picked up his in a one handed motion, "Thank you. Maybe next time you'll make breakfast in bed for me instead of having me come to you. I think we'd be even on that, doll."

Elsa said harshly, narrowing her eyes at him, "Gilbert, are you done yet? I want to talk to your partner if you don't mind."

He shrugged, backing away from the counter, "It's cool. We'll have that discussion later." He winked, then left without another word toward her.

Elsa smiled at me and I smiled back. She asked, "How was your first night? Good or bad?"

I replied, "Good. The beds you people have aren't bad at all."

Elsa said, "Well Temra does try to accomodate. I know I am."

I praised, "And you do such a great job at it." Then I asked, "Have you seen my dad? Apparently I beat him here."

She answered with a shake of her head, "Not yet. But I'm sure he'll be here any minute. He loves my cooking like you. He can hardly resist my world-famous food."

I laughed, "Well that's good to know, I guess." Behind her, I actually caught sight of a platter of huge, round meat sitting on the small working table. I chuckled some more, "And I think I see why. Look at that thing! Guess my dad loves jumbo-mega sausage patties for breakfast, eh?"

Elsa followed what I looked at with her gaze. Then she giggled, "Oh." She looked back at me, and explained, "Pretty funny, but THAT'S not for him."

"Oh." I pressed, "Who then? Your boss, Earl?"

She giggled more loudly, shaking her head, "Nope. It's for the only animal we have in this place. The tiger."

My eyes went wide in surprise, "Prem? You feed her human food?"

"Yeah. Didn't you know? She is a regular in the cafeteria as well."

I chuckled in disbelief, "Oh man. No. I never knew that at all. I thought you people only feed her cat food."

"Oh no...She eats things other than that here. For a tiger, she can't resist my stuff either." Elsa demanded upon putting on a narrowed look, "Gilbert never told you about it, right? And you're supposed to be his so called 'partner'."

I smirked and said, "You're right on that, but he shouldn't take all the blame. I talked to dad yesterday and he never told me."

Elsa formed a tiny smile with a shrug of her shoulders, "Well, I suppose that's my fault too for not telling you sooner. But that was supposed to be a surprise."

I admitted, "Believe me, Elsa, I am surprised."

Elsa looked around beyond the counter, "Where is Prem by the way? I thought she'd be with you guys. Did you and Gilbert just come here before meeting her?"

I replied, "Not exactly. We just took her to the dome after letting her out. Gilbert thought she should go there, and I went with it."

Elsa groaned, with hate in her eyes, "Gilbert, that bastard. He knows that she gets hungry in the morning. Did she do anything wrong?"

"No." I felt stunned by what she said, thinking that me and Gilbert did something wrong. But I didn't say anything.

Her eyes held concern, "Oh the poor thing is probably feeling miserable right now." She let out a sigh, "Well, I guess I'll have to take the food to her." Elsa whirled around, pacing to that platter in a haste, "Won't be the first time I've done that."

Still feeling stunned and puzzled, I stopped her as soon as she picked that up with my hand up, "Hey wait." Elsa glanced toward me. Lowering down my limb, I offered, showing a smile, "Why don't I take the food to her? I am a handler. It's the least I could do after putting her in the dome. Besides...She might warm up to me more if I did."

Elsa returned the expression with her own, "That's sweet of you. All right." She carried the platter within her grasp and laid it on the counter, "Here you go."

"Thanks." I lifted it off the counter with hands of my own. I shot my eyes to my breakfast plate that was beside it. Then I told Elsa after putting them on her, "I'll be back for my food once I'm done."

Elsa replied, "Ok. See you back here." Then she went back to the kitchen to work some more. Holding on the platter tightly, I made my way to where Gilbert sat.

"Took you a long time." He spoke as he eyed at the meat on the platter, chuckling, "Looks like that was why. She decided to make that and give that to you instead of those hash and eggs? Must want you to feel VERY welcomed in Temra this morning instead of me. I'm jealous, Jason."

I giggled, then told him, "Actually that's for Prem."

Gilbert shrugged, "Well I rest my case." He stabbed a few hash browns with his fork and stuffed them in his mouth.

"Right, and I volunteered to take that to her." I stated, wrinkling my brow while he was chewing, "Gilbert...Prem was heading for the cafeteria before you told her we were going to the dome. Do you think maybe she was hungry again this morning?"

After making a swallow, he frowned. He demanded, "Are you asking if I took her there on purpose just to starve her?"

I remarked, "Well she never did do anything wrong." Then I shot the side of my head to the kitchen, "And Elsa doesn't mind that Prem comes to the cafeteria to eat with us. From what I just learned from her, she's a regular here just like you. Did I miss something? I thought the animal's welfare was important."

"It is." Gilbert insisted, "I thought she needed to go to the bathroom before the cafeteria today. She kinda did in here that one time by accident, and sometimes I don't want to take chances. It was quite a mess. And besides that, me and you were hungry and I didn't want to wait for her to finish doing business after we took her to the dome." He smiled, "And I did say we would bring her back some food later, didn't I?"

I gaped for a moment. Then responded, "Yeah...You did. Sorry about that."

He shook his head and waved that off, "It's ok. Anyways, you're taking care of it now, and that's good. You really are taking your job seriously."

I replied and shrugged, "Well Prem hasn't done me wrong, so it's natural for me to do her a solid. Anyway, I'll be right back. This shouldn't take too long." I began heading for the exit.

But Gilbert said, "Hey, kid." I stopped, my attention returning to him. He had a serious look on his face as he said, "Just friendly advice...Next time you make that type of accusation towards me, make sure you find more details before throwing it at me. Otherwise, it's unfounded. Understand?"

I stared at him for a second before nodding, then went on my way. I was about to leave the cafeteria when dad actually showed up through the double doors, "Whoa!" He barely bumped into me, but quickly stopped himself. I stood and gazed at him. Well now he shows up. Dad smiled, and he said, "Morning, Jason. Where are you going with that thing in such a hurry?"

I impatiently replied, "To feed Prem. Excuse me." I brushed past him as I went out into the hallway, not looking back to see if dad had a hurt look or anything.

Wandering down the corridor, still carrying the platter carefully in my hands, I was thinking about Gilbert. Why did I bother questioning him like that? He seems good at doing his job, he's not starving her to death or anything. Least not on purpose. Heck, he said we were bringing her back food for her to eat anyway. And besides, we were probably going to take Prem to the cafeteria tomorrow and not leave her in the dome like that again. Why didn't I think of that? I looked like an idiot...I ain't doing that again.

I gazed down at the food on the platter. I smiled. And I certainly won't be worrying about the tiger being hungry anymore either. That's a lot of meat! She'll enjoy that.

After a long trek, I finally made it to the entrance of the dome again. I carefully twisted one of the door knobs with one hand and butted through one of the doors with my shoulder. I kicked the door closed behind me. I took a few steps toward the jungle that surrounds the area, staring around in awe. Man...I never knew dad worked near such a place. This place is huge.

I snapped out of my momentary distraction, and began calling out for the female tiger, "Preeeem! Prem! Hey, I've got food for you! Prem! Pre-eeeeeem!" I stopped calling her and waited. Then seconds later, she showed up from jogging around a huge tree. She slowed to a stop as I was within her sights. I smiled at her, "There you are. Look what I got." Her eyes were following my movements when I lowered the platter down and placed it on the grass. I backed a step. I said, "I bet you're very hungry. Well...Breakfast is served."

Prem was staring at me like she did before. Her ear twitched and her tail swished slowly behind her. I think I can see some happiness shining in her eyes.

I sidestepped away from the food. I motioned my hand toward it, "Well go ahead. What are you waiting for, stripes?"

As if on cue, the tiger padded to me, not her food. She nuzzled against my stomach, purring. A deep giggle welled in my throat. She's very expressive. This is the third time she has rubbed herself against me. Who'd ever thought I'd be such a big hit with tigers? I never did that's for sure!

I don't like animals much, only because they usually give me trouble...But I was really beginning to like this one. True, I've only met her since yesterday, but...It was still a nice start.

As she still nuzzled me, I actually found myself petting her for the first time in return. Her striped fur felt a little rough, but it was also a little soft. It didn't feel half-bad. My heart beated in my chest at my own realization. Oh my god...I'm literally touching a tiger. Maddie will be surprised. Unlike me, she does love a few animals...Including cats. I'm trying to imagine the look on her face when I tell her a tiger was rubbing against me and purring like one.

I muttered as I still stroked her form, "Good girl...Good tiger." I finally had enough of petting and rubbing, after my stomach rumbled, and backed up a couple steps. Prem looked up at me. I told her, "Ok. I gottta go now. I'm hungry too. I haven't ate a darn thing yet. You enjoy your breakfast. See you later." I spun on her and paced away. I kinda can't believe now that I'm talking to her. Like she's a person. It's silly when I think about it. It isn't like she can talk back.

Suddenly, a voice appeared out of nowhere, "Thank you."

I cried out in surprise, "Huh?!" I sharply stopped and turned around, "Who the-?" I looked around frantically with my eyes, but there was nobody else around. Except the tiger.

Hang on...Who did...?

I gazed at Prem who stared right back. I frowned confusingly. I started to say to her, "Hey...Did you..." Then I brushed this off, rolling my eyes upward, "Ah, I must be hearing things." I spun around on her again and left her with her breakfast, getting out of the dome to eat mine.

*****

I was laying on my bed in my bedroom, plainly staring up at the ceiling in the dark. After a long day has passed in Temra, and after my dad and everyone who works here went home, I was ready for bed for another long day of my job here.

But problem was...I didn't feel tired. I couldn't sleep.

At first after coming in here I was just laying in bed with my eyes shut and not totally asleep at all, then I started to watch some TV since my set does have cable television, and then I took a nice warm shower to see that'll help lull me to sleep. But that didn't help at all. I was still awake under the covers.

I think I know why...

I let out a breath. I was thinking about the 'voice' I thought I heard in the dome...And Temra too. I was suspicious of both...At the voice mostly. I didn't think too much of it after I gave Prem her breakfast and left to eat mine. I was totally thinking what I heard was all in my head.

But after I ate breakfast and as the day rolled on...My mind kept nagging me about it. It was telling me what I heard sounded very real to be in my head. It was saying that over and over. I kinda believed it, it did make a point. I could've swore that voice came from RIGHT BEHIND ME. It was from right where Prem, the tiger, stood. And I know it sounded like a girls voice...And I also know the tiger I was alone with is a girl.

I frowned at the ceiling, curiosity and confusion still whacking at my brain. I had thought that was ridiculous. That a tiger, an animal, actually talked to me. It was stupid. But all that time, including the couple times I was with Prem after breakfast, I was thinking about what I heard, and half expected her to say something again, even say goodnight to me when I took her to her bed in the cage. Obviously she never did. I never heard that voice again.

I still thought it was impossible, but I couldn't help thinking about that mystery voice. It really sounded real...Just like Prem standing in front of you. It was keeping me awake and it was making me a bit crazy.

Temra was too. For some reason, during all the time spending here today...I was a little suspicious of this place alongside the voice. I didn't feel it before, but today I've been getting the vibe that there was something strange about Temra...Something strange going on here.

Temra was supposed to be a animal testing facility, but the only animal here was Prem. No other animals. Not a whole lot. Only her. If Temra does animal testing, then I'd assume there'd be a lot more animals than her...I think. I would've thought Prem was the only one doing the testing or some crap, but I wasn't buying that. I know I just started working here, but come to think of it, I haven't seen Prem being tested or anything. Nothing was being tested on her.

And not only that, but it also felt like everyone working here, including Gilbert and my father, were hiding something...Like they've kept some kind of secret. Heck, considering my father being a scientist, I don't know what he's even doing here...Nor the other scientists. I know they work here, but I don't know what they're up to.

I really have a feeling Temra's hiding something, and no one wants me to know about it.

I let out a deep sigh. Maybe I'm wrong, but...Nobody here has to keep a secret from me...Since I'm working here too...Can they? What kind of facility is this really? I got a feeling this isn't any animal testing lab. What is this place, and why is the tiger here? Maybe I should ask Gilbert, or my dad what kind of place this is. Maybe they can tell me, and tell me what the scientists do here exactly.

But what about that voice? I know what I heard...Who was it?

I let out a breath. Jason...Quit thinking about it. You'll probably solve the mystery tomorrow. Now, you need to go to sleep, or you'll be too sleepy to get up and go to work. I moaned, shifting over to my side in the covers. Better get on with this. I already had enough crap from mom...Don't want any more coming from here.

Then I quickly thought of something, and it had my eyes widen. Then I whined in shame, "Arrr!" Aw, damn it! I was supposed to call Maddie! All this thinking made me forget! Shit...It's probably too late to do that now. I huffed, shutting my eyes immediately. Oh well, I'll try this again tomorrow. And you'd better do it next time, Jason, or Maddie will be getting on to you like mom!

Then I felt my stomach growl. That made me realize with a sigh that I was hungry. I remember I actually skipped afternoon lunch at the cafeteria. I thought I wasn't hungry at the time.

Apparently I am now.

I pushed myself off the mattress, standing with my feet on the floor. I brushed my hair once as I stood and think. The cafeteria's closed, betting so now that Elsa went home. I can't sleep like this. Where can I get a snack? Then the vending machines I walked past more than once in the hallway popped up. Oh yeah...They have those. I moved around my bed, crouching to open my suitcase on the floor. Hope I packed enough change for it. I dug inside and found a bunch of dollars and coins. I took some, put on a fresh pair of clothes and my shoes, then headed out my room, the bright flourescent ceiling lights in the hall blinding me a moment soon as I stepped out but never slowing me down.

*****

I laid on my stomach on the pile of blankets in the dark cage room. My gaze was solely on the bars before they traveled to my forepaws. I sighed as a twinge of worry touched my chest. What was I thinking?! Did I just blindly forget what I was told NOT to do? ME AND MY BIG FAT MOUTH!

I was thinking about Jason, my new favorite handler, considering how nice he was to me today, just like yesterday. I was thinking about what he did earlier this morning, especially after that asshole Gilbert made me go into the dome instead of taking me to the cafeteria and eat. That was confused and unexpected, but that was also to be expected. That kind of thing wasn't the first time. Gilbert has done that to me before, only not a lot. He's done that because he is either not in the mood to stick with me for a long time and wants to throw me in the dome early, and/or just to antagonize me because he's the boss of me. Or maybe both. It looked like he did that to me again today just to show Jason how badass he is.

I wanted to demand to be taken to the cafeteria, but since I couldn't say anything in front of Jason, and also since Gilbert is my boss, well, both of them are, I have to listen and go along with it. I did listen, but I wanted to claw him for that. He did that on purpose. He knew I'd get hungry in the morning and I didn't do anything wrong.

But at least Jason was kind enough to bring me some food. Gilbert never did that when he does that sort of thing to me. Elsa always do. But it looks like I'll have another person bringing me food at the dome when Gilbert pulls a thing like that.

Only now...I'm afraid I messed up.

I'm afraid I'll lose that other person...Thanks to me.

Because I said something to Jason...In gratitude for the food he gave me!

Right after Jason left me to eat in the dome, I felt like a real fool. I felt so stupid. I couldn't believe I said one word to him when I wasn't supposed to. It just slipped out. I guess I really wanted to thank him for being kind to me so far, but I should have kept my big trap shut.

Course Jason thought he was hearing things, but I still feel stupid and...A little worried. I was worried despite what he said he would still get suspicious of me. I wasn't too sure really, but when he was near me again a couple more times before I ended up in here for tonight, he kind of gave me these...'Stares', like he was so on to me about what I said.

I didn't like the feeling, and I was still feeling it in here.

I'm worried I'll lose him, and I'll get in trouble for flapping my mouth.

I'm such an idiot.

I gazed through the cage bars to the door to the room. My thoughts were still on about Jason. Why did I just let those two words slip? TWO LITTLE WORDS! How can I let that happen?! This is just like messing up in a sneaky hunt...ONLY TWICE AS STUPID! Jason's probably still thinking about it right now. Oh, I hope nothing bad comes out of it. I hope Jason doesn't get kicked out of here because he knows my secret too early. I gulped down a lump of fear. Gods, I hope I don't get WHIPPED for it either! Oh, I probably will! Nice going, you jabbering moron!

Then I took a deep breath, held it for a second, and let it out slowly. Then I said out loud to myself with my eyes closed, "Be calm, Prem. It won't do you good stressing about it now. Maybe you're wrong, so stop worrying so much." I opened them back up. Surprisingly, my words helped me out a lot. I did feel some worry, but not as much as a second ago. I was thinking maybe I was right. Maybe I was wrong, and I was worrying over nothing.

Still, I sincerely hoped that's the case.

I decided to get up cause I was thirsty. I made way to the water bowl at the corner, and lowered my maw for some swabs. Feeling my thirst satisfied, I glanced down at the other bowl beside it...With that gross cat food in it. Ready to eat as any night before. I wasn't hungry yet, but I don't think I was feeling up to eating that tonight. Hell, why would I anyway? It's disgusting!

Then, I was feeling my stomach do an unexpected thing. It was rumbling like...Like it wants me to do something very dire. And no...It wasn't eating.

I gasped, as an accidental fluff came out of my rear end. Oh no...

I HAVE TO TAKE A CRAP!

As I felt the stinky contents wanting and trying to push out of my butt, I moaned in desperation. I flicked my eyes around while I was panicking. This had to happen now?! I moaned as this feeling of urgency was trying to rush out of me. Not this crap again! I don't wanna go in here again! I hate the smell of crap near my bed!

Then my brain struck up an idea. I never did this. I'll just holler for Chase to come get me and take me to the dome! He's probably patrolling the halls right now!

I don't trust that human much, don't even know him much also, but this idea's all I got! Then Jason's face showed up, making me reconsider the idea. But Jason's living here! I almost forgot! I can't yell in here, Jason might hear me!

My stomach painfully growled, begging me to push the crap out of my system. I groaned with my head desperately swinging back and forth several times, "Ah I can't hold it in forever! I don't care, I'm getting out of here!" I moved close to the bars, and screamed at the top of my lungs, "HEEEELLLLP! HEEEELLLLP! SOMEBODY! LET ME OUT OF HERE!!!"

*****

I inserted another quarter into the slot, then my hand trailed off to press a few buttons. A few seconds after, I grabbed what I wanted out of the vending machine. A tiny bag of nacho cheese flavored Doritos were held in my hand. I sighed and smiled in satisfaction, "Bingo." I held the bag up close to my face, saying aloud, "Thank you, Temra." I went on my way back to my room away from the vending machines, ripping open the bag. While walking down the hallway, I grabbed a chip and popped it in my mouth.

Over the muffling sound of crackling chip, I heard something echoing far behind me, "HEEEELLLLP!" I gasped, turning quickly around as more screams rang across the corridor, "HEEEELLLLP! SOMEBODY! LET ME OUT OF HERE!"

I gulped down the crumbled chip, then I quietly cried incredulously, "Jesus!" Is there really someone in trouble? Who is that? Sounds like a girl. What's going on here?

The shrilly voice called out again, "HELP ME! GET ME OUT OF THIS THING! HELP!"

I didn't waste any more time gawking around. I sprinted down the hall, dropping the bag that was in my hand. I ran as fast as I could while following the cries of help that still went on...Till I found they've come from the cage room. Another scream rang out of there, "HEEEELLLLP!"

Shit, someone must be locked in the cage and trapped in there! Oh not that I can help it!

I charged through the door, then frantically fumbled for the light switch till I flipped it on. When the light flashed on, I looked towards the cage...And saw only the tiger I left for the night. No lady locked in it.

My brow wrinkled up as I looked around for anyone, "Hello? Who's in here?"

Prem stared back at me, apparently standing close near the gate and not asleep like me. But then, she did something I didn't expect her to do, "Jason." She stood high on her hind legs and held herself against the bars, pleading me with a pleading look, "Jason, please get me out of here! Hurry!"

My jaw dropped. My eyes went wide. Oh my god!

She...She talked! Prem actually talked!

So she did say something to me in the dome! I wasn't hearing things after all!

But...How?

I took a few steps forward. I stuttered, "Are...Are you-"

Prem screamed out, "Yes I can talk now get me the hell out of here! Get me to the dome!"

I asked, confused by the situation, "What's going on here?!"

"Hey!" I looked back and found who appeared to be a young, handsome security guard, probably in his mid-twenties, with short, slick brown hair that's combed back, thick eyebrows and hazel eyes below them. His jaw opened agape as he caught sight of what's going on. He uttered, "Oh, shit...You shouldn't have known about this."

I assumed he talked about me finding out the tiger can talk. I glanced at Prem, who was heaving her chest staring at us. I looked back at the security guard, and demanded in a serious, curious tone, "Well I do now. What's going on here?"