Pain. That's all I know now. I used to know other things, but they took them away. I used to have fun. I used to talk. Not anymore. I don't do much anymore. They brought me a friend once, but they took her away, and I never saw her again. They said it was punishment. I don't understand why. Isn't this punishment enough! I do understand that I'm not as bad off as I could be; they gave me a bed, and they give me food. Not enough food to help me strengthen up, only enough to keep me alive and do their work. If I'm quiet and do my work, they even let me have a shower. The cell is small, barely enough room for the mattress they gave me, there are no windows, and my only source of light is a single light bulb above the door. I think they used to give me books once, but the beginning of my stay is foggy. It's been so long. I wonder how much time has passed.
The rattling of keys breaks me out of my thoughts, the thumping of a boots vibrating deep in my bones. The door is unlocked, a stream of fluorescent light burning my eyes as I try and disappear into the corner. As my eyes adjust, I realize who decided to visit. I call him Stocky, an odd name I know, but I had to find a way to differentiate between them and he's well...stocky. He clears his throat trying to get me to look him in the eyes. I don't, whenever I do I remember the first day here.
"Now now Pet. Don't be like that." That's another thing, they refuse to use my name. I haven't heard it in so long I don't think I can remember what it is anymore.
BANG!
"STOP IGNORING ME!" I flinch as deep into the wall as possible and finally look at his face, trying to ignore the memories that surface as I do. He starts to coo to to me, apologizing. "Wait Pet. I'm sorry. Can you forgive me darling?" Never, but it's not like I can tell him that so I just nod while ignoring how hard I'm trembling. "Thank you Pet. You know I like it when you behave. Now," he claps his hands, "come on. Boss decided to let you eat with us tonight. If you're good I'll even let you curl up at my feet!" I don't want to make him angry, so I just nod and follow him through the twisting hallways to the dining room.
Once there, everyone stares. They leer. They've long since taken my clothing and given me an over-sized shirt, said pets don't need nice clothes. I still haven't gotten used to their stares.
They finally go back to their stupid discussion about stupid things and leave me to go sit in my stupid corner. Honestly what is with me and corners? It's not like they'll protect me or anything. I mean sure they keep people from sneaking up on me, but what good is that when they can surround me all the same. I really need to get new strategies.
After what seems like hours but was only minutes, the Boss walks in and silence reigns. Honestly, the Boss isn't even that impressive...he's short and fat, and he probably eats his weight in take out. Yet somehow, he manages to silence a room with his mere presence.
"Well laddies." Did I mention the accent. I think he fakes it really. "Today is a very special day..." ooh dramatic pause. Is he going to strike a pose now? Ahh I wish. "Today we find new needs for our precious little Pet." Wait, WHAT!? What does he mean a new use? I don't wanna be used by them like that! Please please please please please. Nobody even notices me freaking out. Of course not, they're all too busy cheering. Gross. "We need to send a message!" Huh? "That they can't protect their children!" Wait....no. They aren't going to! They can't! "Johnson! You get the honors." Well Stocky's name is apparently Johnson but more importantly he's going to..."Adams! Set up the cameras!"
I don't notice anything after that. 'Johnson' cut off my view and stood in front of me, his grin stretching his entire face. He grips my arm and pulls me up. My tears are warm, leaving trails of fire across my face. This can't be happening.
"Oh we're gonna have so much fun together," he leans into me and whispers in my ear, sending a wave of fresh tears down my face. "Georgie."
My name echoes over and over in my ear. That's right. My name is Georgie.
