I Fell in Love with Hope - Lancali

Our escape plan is simple. It’s a heist, like all our missions. Only this
time, we are the objects of thievery. Remember that our diseases
own us. We are theirs. What they give us in return is the ability to be
stolen. Now that we’ve practiced stealing those tangible and
intangible desires, it’s time we slip through the iron bars.
There are multiple steps to think of. A five-point star isn’t exactly
inconspicuous walking out of a hospital. The plan is top secret. Need
to know basis. The first step is getting Neo to walk again.
He stands, his weight uneasy, imbalanced. His doctor said he had to
practice. Practicing having to stand is a bit dehumanizing. I think
though, that Neo is less bothered by the vulnerability than he is by
my hands holding him upright.
“Why are you so cold?” he grumbles, his fingers curled like claws
around my arms.
“Neo, what do you dream of?” I ask, chewing on the chocolate Sony
gave me. Neo shook his head when she offered earlier. Now he just
sucks on a single square, letting it dissolve in his mouth.
“Lately?” he asks, moving the chocolate with his teeth. “Annoying
cats and C’s shitty music.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know what you meant.”
“Do you dream of publishing your stories?”
“I don’t know. If I ever write for money, it’s just so I can keep writing.”
“Isn’t that why all writers write?”
“No.” Neo shifts on his feet. His muscles haven’t been used in a
while.