Rave

Her vision came online and Rave opened her eyes.

[ RUN_PROGRAM ] flashed in her vision and she blinked it away. Small, slender arms reached out to stretch and she made a small sound as she yawned. Her eyes darted to the screen that served as a window in her room.

It was a special day and Rave climbed out of bed so she could look at herself in her mirror. Her dark hair was still short, but had grown back well after her last surgery. Her eyes were new and bright and looked as real as her old flesh had. Her skin was pale but her lips dark.

Father had made her beautiful.

She smiled at herself, then began to dress and get ready for her day. Normally she wore soft sheath dresses or simple jumpsuits, but not now. Not when she was ready.

She opened a box and pulled out a simple sun dress and a hat with a wide brim. She took the time to study it, to touch it, to smell it, even. And then she put it on and sent Father a message that she was prepared for her graduation ceremony.

Her first day out.

When Hannibal walked into her cell, Rave lit up and threw her arms around his neck, lifted on tip toe to look at him adoringly.

"Does this dress mean I'll get to feel the sun?" she asked hopefully.