Silence hangs like a curtain in the cold, bare, almost prison-like simplicity of the interview room. River Tam, faces Dr Mathias from across the table, biting her lip, furrowing her brow.

“Would I still get to dance…?” the question is put to Dr Mathias quietly, innocently. River presses her lips together.

Dr Mathias nods slowly, “If you wanted to…” he paused a moment, River could tell he was choosing his words carefully, “this institute is all about helping you to reach your full potential River.”

His answer confuses her. River casts her eyes down, as she smooths out the pleats of her skirt over her knees. The uneasy feeling that she had before when she first arrived, is coming back in full force. She doesn’t like the way he’s looking at her.

“I…I don’t mean to be rude, but I would like to go please. I’ve stayed too long…my parents expected me home an hour ago.”

“Of course River, I shall arrange for you to be taken home.” Dr Mathias nods, “But before you go…could you answer my question? Is this something you are interested in…attending this academy?”

River stands, and shrugs, “I have to discuss it with my parents first.”

“Yes of course,” Dr Mathias opens the door and stands aside to let her through, “Just remember…we’re here for you River, to make you into the best you can possibly be…and no other purpose.”

River pauses at the threshold. She turns to look at Dr Mathias one last time, and decides she never wants to see him again.