Rose sat with her head against the window, staring out at the bright snow beyond her perspex confines. An incessant beep rang through out the air, constant and monotonous. Snow drifted down, reflecting in Rose’s wide eyes.

More than anything she wanted to tighten her fingers and throw them through that window; to break out into the world beyond and embrace the cold, wet, wonderfulness of real life. She could imagine herself playing with other children like she saw in Christmas movies; making a snow man or designing angels in the snow. She could hear them; had seen them as she sat just within the front door.

But Rose knew it could never be like that. As long as the infernal machine was attached to her arm, she could never be normal. Could never play with other kids or be happy.

Rose eyed the plug in her wrist. Was it worth dying for a single moment of fun? Could she risk it all for an ounce of happiness?

She turned her eyes outwards again and stared at the snow, wishing for the courage to die.