After dozens of tests, they finally say something she understands.

"Okay, so we can guarantee that this was the right choice to make. To leave your old place and go here. It's indeed safer," one of the doctors tells her softly. "We made some calculations and prints of your brain, but none of those probably matter to you—"

"I want to know everything about my brain," she interrupts, almost excited.

In her head, she has always wondered if it's possible for something to scan your brain, so you can make a decision.

Like, imagine if she had to choose who she liked most at WCKD, but she can't choose, so they can just scan her brain, and the opinions buried deep inside, so they can confirm the truth even she doesn't know.

"Alright, if you say so." He clicks on a giant screen. Immediately, it slides to an image of a brain, drawn with many colors. "This thing here, is called the amygdala. It regulates your emotions, except yours is not as... regular as it's supposed to be. You have sudden outbursts of any kind of emotion."

She nods.

"The ACC recognizes danger. We have been able to make out when it mostly acts: physical touch, small spaces, and sometimes at needles."

Small spaces remind her of the times Jorge locked her up. And of the times Amery locked her on her bed by holding her down.

"The DMN is responsible for daydreaming. Responsible for anytime you're not focused on the outside world. It's very active in your brain."

"We had simulations," she says. "I went in there, almost every day."

"Yes. Other than that, there's some weird patterns at night. You probably think a lot during that time."

She nods again.

"The hippocampus assures episodic memory. Like flashbacks, which you seem to get now and then. You're struggling to differentiate between simulated realities—like fantasies—and actual experiences. Partly includes the simulations, but also has something to do with the usual fantasy of a kid. You also have disruption in the Oxytocin Pathways."

"What's that?"

"Trust and attachment are strongly linked to it."

"Oh."

"Yeah." The doctor gives her a sad smile. "So, this is a summary of it. I can tell you much details, but maybe it's good you go to sleep now. There's a lot waiting for you tomorrow."

Her eyes widen— not exactly in fear, but curiosity. "What do you mean?"

"You'll be joining the other kids. Group A, to be exact."

She jumps off the bed. "Really?"

Now fear does join in. What if she ruins it, just like she did with Brenda? She doesn't know how to talk to other kids! She has only ever talked to Brenda and she didn't get along with her that well.

But excitement as well. Maybe it's a new opportunity.

"Are they nice?" She asks.

"Some can be troublemakers, but yes, they're all good."

"How long have they been here?"

"It differs. Some boys have been here since only four years old, and others just arrived."

The words slowly sink in, just like her heart sinks to the bottom of her stomach. "What?" Siren steps back.

"Hm?" A small frown appears on the doctor's face.

"Boys?" She stammers. "There are girls, too, right?"

The woman looks over the big screen, then back at Siren. "I'm sorry, love, but your brain patterns evolve the best around men— boys."

"But you said I'd be safe—"

"You are safe. I promise they won't hurt you. We will make sure of it. It's purely for the brain patterns. For the cure."

Just as she's about to jolt her fists at the woman, the other doctor present takes her by the arm, forcing her out of the room.