A Sudden Stop

The next day soon came around, and with it came yet another expected harvest. This time it was just a big toe. Since they cut around the joint, they didn't need to cut through any bone, leading to a much more painless experience; I barely even filched. However, thinking that the woman from before would come again, I got my hopes up, which of course would be crushed as she never came by that day. Could it be that what I said to her before she left something rude? That's all I could think about as I wait for the next day.

But even after the next day's harvest, the woman still didn't show up. Could she have gotten in trouble because she talked to me? It's a rare occurrence to talk with me for sure, actually I can't even remember the last time when someone spoke to me like that. Was that day the last time she'd visit me?

As if to surprise me even more, the following day, for the first time in my whole life, no one showed up to harvest my limbs. It could be that I've messed up the days since I've been wondering too much of where the woman went and accidentally forgot that it's still the same day. It's quite hard to tell with this mask after all.

However, even during the next day, as I'm sure it's been a whole day at least, there still was no one who came into my room to harvest my limbs. At this point, I'm growing even more anxious in not knowing what's happening. At least before I had some interaction, even if it meant having a limb or two cut off. So to be met with nothing but this darkness and silence is somehow even more painful... What am I even thinking about? Am I seriously wishing for them to come back and chop off my arm or something? But right as I was pondering that, the door to my room finally opened as I quickly look up by reflex, despite not being able to see. I could sense two sets of footsteps this time, so it could be another harvest. At least it won't be another leg or an arm this time.

"Are you sure about this?" A man spoke first, seeming to be on the older side. It's the first time I've heard this voice.

"Yes." Wait, that voice! It's the woman from before! Her voice isn't soft like when she spoke to me, but I can still hear it. It's definitely her!

"Very well, Lieutenant. Like we discussed, she's to brought back here if anything happens. The rest is on you." I have no idea what the man is saying, but I'm not hearing anything that would suggest that they're here to cut off any of my limbs... What's going on? I feel my body growing cold at the unknown, not knowing what's about to happen.

"Understood."

"Also make sure to not leave the premises until further evaluation."

"Yes, understood."

They continue to exchange words as I can only wait in suspense. But suddenly, I felt something strange approach my neck. I've been restrained by my neck for as long as I can remember, being unable to move freely around the room, only being allowed to move around on this table. And in the next moment, I hear a 'chink' sound come from my collar as the hard, cold metal slowly moves away from my neck. Just what in the world is happening right now?

"You really think you can handle this? You're a valuable asset to this company. I wouldn't want to lose you." The man's voice breaks the silence as I timidly try and reach for my neck. Am I allowed to check?

"Yes."

"Alright. Then I expect to hear from you in five days."

"Thank you, sir." Finally, some words that I could understand. I only learnt it recently, but it appears that this woman holds the man in some regard. Still, as I'm touching my now exposed neck, I can't help but wonder what's about to happen to me.