Free Anomaly by Krista McGee Page A

many flaws, but sometimes I feel like we can communicate even without words, that I know what Berk is thinking. Right now, I am sure he is saying we need to behave as if this were just a Scientist/patient outing, with no hint of friendship so no one will be required to come along with us.
    We walk down the hall and turn down a corridor. More empty rooms. Then we come to a large metal door. Berk places his finger on a pad on the wall and the door slides open. We are in what looks like a stairwell, but it has no stairs. A blue bag is against the wall, and Berk hefts it onto his shoulders. He keepswalking and reaches another door, with another pad. This door slides open and we are out in the open.
    This is different from the area outside my pod. We have a small garden with grass and flowers, as well as a greenhouse with vegetables and fruits that is used by the Culinary Specialist to make our meals. But this just has patches of grass, remnants of flowers. No greenhouse. No pod nearby. It looks like I feel—missing important pieces. I love it.
    “This is the end of the State,” Berk tells me as we walk farther away from the door, where the grass disappears and is replaced first by dirt and then with concrete. Looming above the concrete are massive structures.
    “The water tanks.” I recall seeing pictures of the water tanks on my learning pad, but nothing could prepare me for the reality. Enormous couldn’t even begin to describe the size of these tanks. They are so wide that I can’t see around them, so tall that I can’t see where they end. I look at Berk. “Is this part of a test?”
    Berk takes the bag off his back and opens it. He pulls out a bedcovering and spreads it out on the ground. He sets containers of food on top of the covering and sits. “This is a picnic.”
    “What?”
    “It is something the ancients used to do.” He motions for me to sit.
    I am sure this is something the Scientists would not approve of. “Are we allowed—?”
    “We are looking at the moon because you need the boost from that.” Berk points to a panel right above one of the tanks. “And we are coming here because you need to be isolated from the other pods. We wouldn’t want anyone to see you, you know.”
    “Of course.” I smile. Berk is having fun with me. It is awonderful feeling. It reminds me of when we were younger, carefree.
    “Sadly, though”—Berk holds out a slice of bread with cheese and a slice of tomato on it—“no cameras were installed out here. It was pointless. There are no pods out here, no citizens.”
    “But we are permitted to be here?”
    “Dr. Spires was out here almost every day so he could check on the tanks.” I take the bread from Berk. His fingers brush mine. “Since he is gone, that duty is shared by several of us younger Scientists. Today is my turn. And since you were also in need of some time outside, I requested that I complete both tasks at the same time.”
    “How very convenient.”
    “Productive.” Berk lowers his voice. “And completely private.”
    “No cameras?” My heart lightens. I am alone with Berk. Outside of the Scientists’ quarters. Beneath a distant glimpse of a full moon. Music plays in my mind, and I don’t stop it.
    We eat in silence. Once the initial excitement of being alone with Berk wears off, I find myself uncomfortable. I don’t know how to behave alone with him. When we can speak with complete freedom, what do we say? Can I tell him about John, or will his training and design as a Scientist rebel against the ideas John has planted in my mind? Will he think that my even considering John’s ideas confirms my hopeless status in the State?
    Berk looks at me. The gold specks in his eyes seem to be dancing. He does not appear uncomfortable at all.
    “Will you play?” Berk points to my violin case. “For me?”
    He says it quietly, the words soaking deep into my being. Will I play for him?
    I open the case and pull out the violin. I look at Berk and I