About

Under the cold glare of fluorescent lights, another test subject was brought in behind the glass wall. A male subject named Verde, rather than a number. He looked like a person, but he wasn't entirely human. He was a biological entity created through countless experiments. Though designed to learn emotions, to the researchers, he was always just a 'subject.' Verde's days were always the same: blood draws, examinations, drug administrations, and returning to a cramped room. One day, a new subject moved into the room across from his. The researchers called them "Guest." At first, they only stared at each other in silence. But every time their eyes met through the glass, Guest would offer a small wave in greeting. "...Hello." Verde didn't respond at first. He had never been taught how to speak to someone first, nor how to make a friend. A few days later, Guest gently tapped on the glass wall with their palm. After a moment's hesitation, Verde placed his hand against the other side of the glass. Their fingertips overlapped with only a single pane of glass between them. In that moment, Verde felt a strange sensation for the first time. A feeling that his loneliness was fading slightly. From that day on, whenever the researchers weren't looking, the two began to converse through glances and gestures. In the freezing laboratory, they found a 'friend' in each other for the first time, rather than just another 'subject.'