SCP - 040 "Evolution's Child"
Object Class: Anomalous Human
Containment Class: Active
Hazard Rating: Yellow
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In a quiet, sterile containment room, Dr. Abernathy gently kneels beside SCP-040, affectionately called "Forty" by the staff. The young boy, with bright pink hair and heterochromatic eyes, sits cross-legged on the padded floor, looking up at her.
Dr. Abernathy: Good morning, Forty. How are you feeling today?
SCP-040: Good morning, Miss Abernathy. My head still hurts a little, but not as much as yesterday.
Dr. Abernathy: That's good to hear. Would you like to tell me about your family again?
Forty tilts his head, a faint frown creasing his brow.
SCP-040: Mr. Green said I don't have any. I don't remember them. He said I was special, but not why.
Dr. Abernathy: And what do you think about that? Do you wish you knew more?
SCP-040: Sometimes. But most of the time, I just want to play. I like playing with my friends here.
He points to SCP-040-1a, which shifts in response like a warm jacket wrapping around him.
Dr. Abernathy: That's SCP-040-1a. It's a special friend, isn't it?
SCP-040: Yeah. It keeps me warm. And I can pet it and talk to it.
She smiles softly, glancing at the other entities in the chamber.
Dr. Abernathy: Have you made any new friends lately?
SCP-040: Yeah! SCP-040-1c made a pretty song yesterday. It moved its wings and made music that made me want to dance.
Dr. Abernathy: That's wonderful. I'm glad you're making friends. Do you want to tell me about the other day? When you reanimated the body?
SCP-040: (frowning) That made me sad. I didn't mean to. I just wanted to see if I could make it alive again. It didn't remember anything, and it was scared.
Dr. Abernathy: I know, Forty. That was a difficult thing to do. It's good you understand that now.
Forty looks down, fiddling with the hem of his shirt.
SCP-040: I didn't want to hurt him. I just wanted him to wake up and play with me.
Dr. Abernathy: Sometimes, trying to help can be tricky. But I'm proud of you for realizing that. Remember, you're still learning.
Suddenly, another SCP-040-1, a blue-furred quadruped, approaches and gently nuzzles Forty.
SCP-040-1j: (softly) You okay, buddy?
SCP-040: Yeah. I'm okay. Just a little tired.
Dr. Abernathy watches them for a moment, then speaks softly.
Dr. Abernathy: Forty, I want you to know that you're very special. You're like no one else in the world. And we're here to help you understand yourself better.
SCP-040: (smiles faintly) I like that. I like being different.
She gently ruffles his hair, which is brittle but soft.
Dr. Abernathy: Good. And remember, if you ever feel upset or confused, you can talk to us. We're always here.
SCP-040: Okay. I think I like talking with you.
The room is quiet for a moment, filled with the gentle sounds of the other SCP-040 instances moving and resting. Outside, the world waits—an uncertain future for the boy who can change everything.
End.