The Testing

Cia thanks the man, who is carrying another bag. He won’t tell her his name because the officials will give the candidates a truth serum before their final interviews. The man tells Cia he believes The Testing is wrong and wants to help her survive. He gives her the bracelet of another candidate who tried to climb over the fence and died in the process. He suggests there are Testing officials who are part of the resistance and tells her he is helping her because he knows there are family secrets she does not want the officials to learn. He gives her a small vial of liquid they think will help counteract the truth drug. The man leaves. Inside the bag, Cia finds the vial as well as raspberries, carrots, and pears that are all native to the area—food she will be able to share with Tomas without raising suspicions.

Cia cleans and treats her wounds but knows they are getting worse. She tries again to get Tomas to tell her what happened with Will and the other candidate while she was gone. She tells Tomas she trusts Will; Tomas reminds her that her father told her not to trust anyone.