The Gummy Bear Case Study, Part 7

An Apple Slice Short Story by Apple | Content Warnings

Cheery was used to the doc being monotone in every sense of the word: crisp white lab coat, no nonsense eyes, dry humor, unbothered voice. Nothing fazed Dr. Jaded Somber.

At least until the past few days happened.

Now, Cheery felt goosebumps rising up her arms at the panic in the doc’s voice.

“Do you hear me, Cheery?” the hologram said, the doc’s iridescent face floating above the comm in Cheery’s hand. “Run.” The hologram glanced back, and Cheery heard the little tune the door played whenever she slid her keycard too quickly. The tune repeated again and again, and it didn’t take long for Cheery to realize someone was trying to hack the doc’s apartment door.

“They’re blocking my signal,” the doc said. “I can’t call out. But if you find this, you need to get somewhere safe. I was wrong. You’re not going to be able to parkour your way out of danger with these guys.”

A peppy jingle echoed through the room. The door was unlocked.

The hologram cut out there.

Cheery took a deep breath, her hands shaking as she gathered her thoughts.

This would definitely prove the doc was kidnapped. But it didn’t prove the CMIIIA was involved. She’d have to do that part herself.

Cheery pulled out her own comm as she sprinted for the elevator. Her cousin picked up on the third ring. “Roman,” she said, hopping into her hovercraft, “I need your help.”

Roman was standing outside of his house in fluffy pink pj pants and a hoodie when Cheery pulled up. He held out a key fob as she stepped out and gestured toward the hover-truck parked in the driveway.

The sides of the truck were painted with dainty blue calligraphy that boasted the prettiest and fastest flower deliveries in town, but the truck itself looked more like a tank.

Roman’s dad had bought it for cheap years ago off of some guy that seemed to be in a big hurry to get rid of it. At that price, her tío didn’t ask any questions.

Cheery took the key fob, trying not to meet her cousin’s eyes. “Wow,” she joked, “I’ve never seen you speechless before.”

His brows were pinched. “Are you sure about this?”

“Hundred percent,” she said, tossing her backpack into the passenger seat. 

Roman sighed and reached into his pocket. “Take these.” A glossy pair of sunglasses rested on his palm. “It’s a camera. If you find any evidence there, I’ll have the footage.”

Cheery ruffled his curls with her free hand. “I appreciate it.”

He drew his hand back right as she reached for the glasses. “They’re expensive. Bring them back in one piece.”

“Alright,” she huffed, rolling her eyes.

He settled them on the bridge of her nose and pressed a few buttons on the side near her ear. “You’re all set.”

“Off I go, then!” she chirped, voice much lighter than she felt as she climbed up into the hover-truck. “Tell Tío I said thanks for letting me borrow the tank.”

“You know he hates when people call it that!” Roman yelled after her as she drove off.