Page 206 of The Examiner

I’m shitting myself. I’ve got kids, FFS.

Jonathan

Just make the components, do the assignments and get the course done. Don’t raise suspicions. I’m experimenting with this tech, trying to tune it. If it can be tuned, then perhaps I could tune in to Mum and Sophia.

Ludya

You MUST get rid of it.

Jonathan

We can’t get rid of it while the voice is still coming through.

Ludya

I mean THE BODY!

Jonathan

But the body being so close could be precisely why it’s picking up his voice. I’m spending every night tinkering with the unit and keeping the phone working while Suzie sleeps, so we can all get out of this hell. We’ll get there, Luds. We’re in this together.

Ludya

J, listen to me. We must DO SOMETHING NOW.

Jonathan

DO THE FUCKING MA COURSE AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.

WhatsApp chat between Ludya Parak and Patrick Bright, 17 April 2024:

Ludya

S and J have lost it.

Patrick

How could they lose it? She can’t leave it for more than five minutes.

Ludya

THEIR MINDS, FFS.

Ludya

Did you see him when you took the new freezer round?

Patrick

I did, God help me.

Ludya

How can they do it?

Patrick

They’re used to it now. Denial is very powerful.