[Year 8 | 2260-61]
A week after Artur’s birthday, Mrs. Simril was driving her son to a psychologist appointment. Like the original appointment, Artur was referred by YutopiCorp. The pattern of behaviour noted by the City back when the child was two has escalated to the point where at seven, he is questioning the system and the location of his father. Granted, these reduced over the course of the prior twelve months, but as far as YutopiCorp is concerned, four hundred and seventeen infractions is still four hundred and seventeen infractions.
Mrs. Simril was left in the waiting area while Artur partook in the discussion. While she desperately wanted to support her son, the City does not allow parents into such discussions, a risk mitigation strategy in case the parent prejudices the discussion.
“Why are you acting out, Artur?” the doctor asked.
Artur shrugged his shoulders.
“Why do you not believe in the City?”
Again, Artur shrugged.
“Are you trying to find your father?”
Artur did not shrug his shoulders. Instead, he found himself frozen, unable to respond, unable to acknowledge the doctor.
“It’s only natural for a boy your age to want to find his missing father, Artur. You lost him at a young age. He was taken from you.”
Feeling slightly more at ease, Artur looked up at the doctor, who gave him a smile in return.
“I’m here to help, Artur. If you let me.”
After some consideration, Artur opened his mouth. “Where is he?”
“That’s classified, Artur.”
“But you said you could help.”
These sessions continued every week throughout the year. And each session covered the same ground.
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