20. 2022

BUNNY

Solitary is supposed to be silent, and still, the screams and cries of my fellow inmates haunt me within these walls. I should be thankful that it's them wailing—that the officers, momentarily, found someone else to violate. It brings me no peace, though. I know my time is coming.

Again.

Until it comes, I wait with my legs crossed on the squeaky spring mattress, hands folded behind my head to relive the best and worst moments of my life.

So far, Emma's asked the right questions, dug past the first layer, which is something I didn't expect—but hoped for. She's inquisitive, doubtful, as anyone would be, but still…I know she feels it. Or at least she's getting there.

It killed her to end where we did tonight. After all, it was starting to heat up, but I won't lie. I'm glad we had to stop, even if it meant guards manhandling and roughhousing me the second I came into sight. It didn't matter that Cyrus had complete control over me. It didn't matter that I wasn't causing any trouble or that my hands were cuffed—they just couldn't help themselves. I mean, what's a little pain, right?

Nothing I haven't survived before.

Sore and a little bloody from the punches and slaps across the face, I stare at the concrete ceiling and just…remember. It always hurts to do so, but I owe Cade at least that much.

* * *