The door closed.
Kai was gone.
The room fell silent.
For several moments, only the distant sounds of the city remained.
The glow of neon lights reflected across the glass walls of the chamber.
Far below, thousands of people continued their lives.
Unaware.
Alice stood beside the window.
Watching.
Thinking.
Behind her, Raj continued eating snacks.
The pile beside her had become concerning.
Alice didn't turn around.
"Raj."
Raj grabbed another snack.
"Hm?"
Alice's voice sounded different.
Not playful.
Not smug.
Serious.
Raj paused.
Then looked up.
"What?"
Alice remained silent for a moment.
Then asked,
"Do you remember how many years it's been?"
Raj blinked.
"Since what?"
"Since we arrived."
A pause.
Understanding crossed Raj's face.
"Oh."
She thought for a moment.
Then shrugged.
"One hundred fifty?"
"Two hundred?"
"I honestly forgot."
Alice laughed quietly.
"Yeah."
"Something around there."
Neither spoke for a while.
The city lights flickered below.
Eventually Alice spoke again.
"We weren't the first batch."
Raj nodded.
"I know."
"And we weren't the last."
"I know that too."
Alice rested both hands against the glass.
Her reflection stared back.