A bread roll and bottle of water drops into my lap as Sienna slumps next to me in the dim light of the cupboard. "The doctors are already struggling to treat the patients they have, they don't need you collapsing because you can't be bothered to eat and drink."

"How did you find me?" I croak.

"A feral looking Unmarked sneaking into a cupboard is pretty noticeable, and gossip travels fast round here." Sienna takes a large bite of her roll. "The State may not control this place but the food tastes just as bad. I shouldn't complain though, since the kitchen staff have found out who I am, they let me have as many helpings as I want. It's just a shame it tastes so terrible."

I take a large bite of the bread roll. I'm so hungry I've eaten the whole thing before I've even registered the flavour.

"Annabelle is looking for you, she wants to check you over."

"I'll find her later." I lie. I can't bear the thought of her touching me, inspecting my unmarked body, asking questions.

"Teddy is upset, he thinks you're scared of him," Sienna says.

"Do you know he's an Official?" I say flatly.

"He was an Official. He was also the one who managed to break into the area you and Grey were locked in. Before most of the Officials left, they locked up that corridor. We couldn't get in but Teddy was determined. If it wasn't for him, you and Grey would be dead. Since we found you, Teddy hasn't left your side, he made sure they treated you immediately. He checks everything they do. They wanted to sedate you in case you were aggressive when you woke but he refused to let them. He cares about you so don't be a complete dickhead."

"A dickhead?"

"Yeah, you know a-"

"I know what it is. I just haven't heard anyone use that term in a while." I smile.

"Well, I think we should bring it back. If The State are on their way out surely their rule on obscene language should go too." Sienna shrugs. "I'm going to start compiling a list of them. I'll add your 'massive wanker' to it too. Then I'll make it into a book and hand it out when our new society is formed."

"I'm sure that will go down well." I roll my eyes. "Once The State no longer exists everyone isn't suddenly going to embrace change. People have been living under The State's control for a long time. All those ways of behaving aren't suddenly going to disappear."

"I grew up in State society, I believed in The State, getting a fiancé, marriage, no obscene language, no immoral thoughts, no fighting, following the Fundamentals and I still managed to reform my way of thinking so why can't others?" Sienna nudges me. "Once The State are gone completely, someone will have to be in charge. I could become a leader of the new world."

"If you want to become a leader you might need to think of some more goals. Your only policy can't be about making people use obscene language." I sip at the bottle of water.

"It's why Terrell wants to talk to us. He's worried we might try to stake a claim at leadership here."

"Why would we want to become leaders of a labour camp?" I ask startled.

"Who wouldn't want to lead a group of half-starved individuals? Especially when the foods so good," Sienna says sarcastically.

Passing me her roll, I'm reminded of our brief moment in this same cupboard before we exited, knowing there was a strong possibility we were walking to our death.

"Cady, who's the father?" Sienna asks unexpectedly.

"It doesn't matter anymore," I respond.

My eyes fill with tears. It's stupid. Why am I so upset about a blob of cells that I didn't plan on or want in the first place? I nibble at the roll but my appetite has gone. Each crumb morphs into a boulder which I'm unable to force down my throat.

"Are you sure?" Sienna says solemnly.

"Yes," I croak.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

I shake my head, wrap my arms around my knees and pull them into my chest. I don't want to talk about Grey with his ex-fiancé. I don't want to talk about the pregnancy. I want to hide and ignore everything. I can't. My mind won't let me.

All I can think is what will happen to Grey now? What will happen to me? I can't stay here, not anymore but the thought of running doesn't fill me with comfort like it usually does. For the first time in my life, I don't want to run.

"Give Grey some time. He's in a bad place. At first, he attacked anyone who tried to come near him. He's calmed down now but he's not sleeping, not eating and he never leaves that room. He needs our help," Sienna says softly.

She's right. He may not want anything to do with me but that doesn't mean I can't help him. As much as I want to protect myself from getting hurt further, I'm aware the reason Grey is in such a bad state is because of me.

"Once Grey improves, I'm leaving."

"Fine." Sienna stands. "Let's get you back to your bed."

"I'll meet you there. I need to do something first," I say quietly.

Sienna shrugs her shoulder and I'm glad she didn't offer to accompany me. I have to do this alone.

Stepping into the small room, I hold my breath waiting for more rejection but Grey doesn't say anything. He's staring at the ceiling and either he hasn't noticed I'm here or he's so indifferent to my presence he's simply ignoring me.

I take a moment to study his features: his sunken eyes, the handsome face which is hidden by too many worries, too many bruises. He looks haunted. I step forward and he swivels around, his hand clutching something and I see the knife tucked partly under his leg. His hand releases it when he sees me. At least, I can be thankful he doesn't want to stab me.

I put the bowl of stew on his bed, place the bread roll next to him and say, "Eat something."

Grey looks confused. I don't try to make conversation because nothing sounds right in my head. No words would express what I'm truly feeling and I know empty words of encouragement are not what he needs right now.

"Eat something," I repeat before turning and walking out of the room.