Read The Children Who Time Lost for Free Online Page A

leaned toward me, his face excited. “Okay. I’ll sort something out. Maybe I can pick you up from work and we can go see a film.”
    I kissed him again and stood up. “I love you.”
    “I love you, too, baby.”
    I walked out of the apartment and rode the elevator to the bottom floor, where at least six people were lined up to order taxis. I remembered how much easier things had been during the days of buses.
    I arrived at Bricklewood Hospital—fifteen miles from our place—just before 9 a.m. As always, Selena Adams had the TV on, with the volume near the peak.
    “Don’t you think you should turn it down a little?” I said, setting my bag down on the table.
    “Rachel.” She beamed. She turned the TV off and stared at me like I had a huge spot on my forehead. Her thick glasses didn’t go with her long blond hair. “It’s so good to have you back. We’ve missed you.”
    “It’s only been two weeks.”
    She shrugged. “Yes, but you know what I mean. You never stay here for long. You’re always going back to the different facilities. What are they doing to you now, anyway?”
    “Nothing,” I said. “The experiments are actually finished. I’m just going there because I keep getting these crazy headaches.”
    “I hope you’re not paying for the treatment. If they didn’t do all those tests on you in the first place, you’d be fine right now.”
    “It’s fine, Selena, honest.”
    “Well, it’s good to see you anyway.”
    “Thanks. Is Warren in yet?”
    “He is, actually,” Selena said. “I think he’s got a patient, too. The annoying Kyso working with him has been getting on my nerves all day. At least with you, we’ll have another real nurse in the building.”
    I laughed and headed toward the cafeteria. “If Warren asks,” I shouted, “tell him I’ll be right there.”
    After securing my bag in the locker, I walked toward the consulting room. Most of the doctors were busy with patients. Some worked with human nurses, while some relied solely on Kysos. I worked only with Dr Warren Lyntop as part of my contract. I passed a number of second-generation silver Kysos in the corridor, all rushing back and forth with the different catheters requested by the doctors.
    I saw Warren through the glass. He was tending to the stomach wound of a boy who couldn’t have been more than four. I looked at the man and woman seated outside. They were probably in their late twenties, with matching red hair and freckles. Although many thought of me as a celebrity, I’d always envied Lotto winners, especially since losing Madeline.
    The man and the woman rose when they saw me. “Oh, thank God,” the woman said. “A human nurse.”
    I smiled. They looked so adorable together. The way Kevin and I had when Madeline was still with us. “You have nothing to worry about. Your child is in good hands, whether with a human or a Kyso.” I looked through the glass at the boy. He had bright blond hair and chubby cheeks. “He’s so cute. When did you win him?”
    “Only last year,” the woman said. “I guess … Hang on. You’re—”
    “Yes, I am,” I said.
    “Oh, I’m sorry,” the woman said. “I didn’t mean to—”
    “Please, don’t apologize. I get it all the time.” I patted her on the shoulder and nodded at the man. “I’m going to help Dr Lyntop now. Please go and get some refreshments in the cafeteria if you’re hungry. Your son is in good hands.” I walked into the room.

    I got my third page of the day around 4 p.m. I knew who it was and I ignored it. Selena rushed in a few minutes later. “Will you at least tell him to stop calling if you won’t speak to him?” Her voice carried a playful tone.
    I smiled and glanced at Warren. He smiled at me. “You go and talk to him,” he said. “I’ll be fine here.”
    I nodded and walked to the sink to wash my hands. Warren waved at the Kyso that had stood outside the room ever since I’d arrived. The robot walked back in.
    “Take your