Cooper was born with bright red hair the color of shiny new copper penny. Her mother instantly gave her the nickname Copper Penny. She was the only child of an affluent family in the south. Her father & mother were both scientists working on the mutant gene.

Not wanting to be parted with their child they would often bring her down to the lab with them. One night when Copper was about 5 years old her parents were on the verge of a major breakthrough & working long hours.

they had brought Copper with them that night & placed her in the safe room so they could continue their work.

Copper was asleep in her crib when a loud sound woke her from her slumber. She got up to look through the glass for her parents, they were there sleeping over their desk. She hit the intercom button to talk to them but no answer. Again she tried, no luck. Why won't they wake up? Why are the lights flashing? She began to bang on the glass, "Mommy wake up! Mommy... Papa???"

Tears running down her face she went to the door.

To be continued...