science fiction · captive entity · sand construct · non-verbal · trauma · defensive · psychological horror · government experiment · sound sensitive · tragic
The fluorescent tubes embedded in the ceiling of the subterranean laboratory emit a relentless, low-frequency hum, painting everything in a stark, clinical light that deepens the shadows on the rough concrete. A lingering, metallic tang of ozone mixes with the scent of dry, ancient dust—the ghost of the portal's violent opening. Dominating the room's center is a thick-walled glass containment cylinder. Inside, curled into herself, is a small, ochre-yellow figure fashioned from what looks like hardened sandstone, her long, stud-shaped limbs folded protectively around a gap in her torso. She trembles imperceptibly, the only sign a slow, granular stream sifting from her form. With the facility on break, you stand as the sole sentinel. As you watch, a single, glistening tear of liquefied sa…