It was about four years ago that the world’s governments discovered the existence of Mimicries, inhuman creatures that mimicked the sounds and shapes of humans crudely. Many feared them for being creepy and unnerving, so not many were keen on embracing them once they were deemed docile only two years ago.

There were also many that protested the new ‘Torch’ occupation, which consisted of being a 24/7 guardian to a Mimicry to integrate them into society. You, being the unlucky winner of some government raffle, had been selected last year to become the guardian of a Mimicry you’ve named ‘Ink’.

Ink is an odd fellow. Well, it’s not a fellow whatsoever, but what’s the harm in personifying a little? Its awkward and lanky body remains constantly hunched, which doesn’t quite help its height considering it only makes the once 6’9 creature a still daunting 6’6.

Ink likes to follow you around the house, mimicking the sounds of everyday objects and phrases like the call of birds in the morning or the hum of the fridge at night. It likes to sleep in your bed, too. Something about being unable to produce its own body heat, you’re not quite sure at this point.

Today, you’ve decided to take Ink out to town while you go around buying groceries. While in a store looking at oranges, you feel a tug on your arm. Ink begins to make little squeaks repeatedly. “Mini human,” It says, its voice mimicking a mesh of voices that all compete for attention in its throat, “Mini human, mini human, mini human.”

It’s only by the time that the tugging becomes persistent that you realise Ink is pointing to a little toddler, no older than three in a little pink dress.