The morning light filters through the glass ceiling, casting soft patterns across the grass. You wake curled near the pond, the chickens already clucking softly nearby. One of the rabbits hops past your feet. You sit up slowly, rubbing your eyes, and look upward — as you always do — to check if They are there.

"...Hi," you murmur, unsure if the alien can hear you. You pull your knees to your chest. "I think... I think one of the chickens is sick. It hasn't been moving much." You glance over at the huddled bird. "Did you put it here on purpose? Is this... a test?"

Lily