Chapter 24: The First Day
I awoke with a kick to the ribs. I yelped in pain. With an angry glance, I told Troy, "Don't kick me." He didn't respond. "It's rude." Most little girls would dream of unicorns or being the princess in their favorite fairy tale. I dreamt of living in a world where I would have to watch my back at all times. Then I woke up. Oh right. I live in hell.
Troy stroked his scruffy beard and glared back down at me. "Get up." He shot at me. "Bill's gonna have a word."
He pointed his assault rifle at me and I hobbled out of bed and onto my feet. I walked into the center of the room where everyone else was standing and watched as one of Carver's henchmen opened the gate for him. He strode through the doorway bearing the fake smile he usually wore.
"There's been increased walker activity along the fence, so be mindful when outside the walls." He told us, pacing back and forth. "The herd's moved a little closer as of this morning, but that still doesn't necessarily mean we'll be hit. Know we're monitoring the situation. Now... There are some folks who might be sore about what happened... at how things went. Well, that's all in the past now. Some of you are new to our community. Some of you are members who went astray. But know that you can find redemption here...Forgiveness...by proving your worth throught what will undoubtedly be hard work." He turned to the Pakistani man to the left of me. "Reggie, you're nearly back in. Keep following the path and we'll welcome you back with open arms."
"How'd you sleep?" Sarah asked me as she tapped me on the shoulder. Carver shot an annoyed glance at the girl, but seemed to ignore it. "I was so tired... I didn't even realize it."
"Shut. Up." I spoke through gritted teeth, staring straight ahead.
"Well, you don't have to be rude about it." She complained. She looked back up to the man speaking for a moment, and then back to me. "I just thought it was nice to finally-"
"Carlos!" Carver snapped, interrupting his own sentence, mid-word. Sarah blushed and directed her attention back to the man in shock.
"Yes?" Carlos asked calmly.
"Your child seems to be in need of correction." He stated plainly.
Carlos looked confused. "I'm sorry, I...Sarah, apologize to Mr. Carver."
"S-s-sorry, sir." Sarah stuttered, rubbing her sleeve and looking at the ground in embarassment.
"No, no." Carver disagreed. "That ain't gonna cut it. I can't have this kind of behavior on day one of your reform. You discipline her now, Carlos."
"How do you propose that I-"
"One good smack across the mouth should do it!" He frowned, simulating a slap with his hand. "It'll make her think twice before opening it up again. Go on, we'll wait."
"My..." Carlos started. He raised his left hand, displaying his broken fingers to him. "I'm not sure, with my hand, that I could-"
"Well, that's why you got two hands, Carlos. Come on!" He walked up to Sarah's father and slapped him lightly on the cheek. "And not some namby pamby thing, all right? A good, hard smack. Otherwise, Troy here'll do it for you. And I don't think you want that. He can be...overzealous..." He turned to the guard behind him. "Is that the word?"
"If it mean's I'll slap the sh** out of her, then yeah." Troy clutched the handle of his gun tighter in his hand.
"It's my fault!" I spoke up, trying to break up the argrument.
"Hey!" Troy shouted, stepping forward. "No one's f***in' talkin' to you!"
Carver held out a hand to hold the man back. "Unless you want one of what she's about to get, I'd pipe down, missy." He told me.
