Page 15 of Sadistic Retribution

A test. Of course. Reminding myself about the small battles, I decide not to fight him. Gritting my teeth, I answer, “Patient 11.”

“Good girl,” he purrs, petting my head like a damn dog. I make it to the bed, and collapse onto it. Skull walks out, thenback in carrying a bowl. I salivate. I don’t care what it is, or if it’s drugged or poisoned. I'm eating every bite.

He hands it to me. Plain oatmeal. I take a small bite, my stomach exploding with the first swallow. I eat small spoonfuls, until the bowl is empty. Of course, they stand there and watch me until I’m finished.

Skull snatches the bowl back, and they both leave. I fall backwards on the bed, curling onto my side. I'm out within seconds.

I wake with a start, rock music blaring through my cell. It's LOUD. So loud, I can’t even hear my own voice as I scream in frustration. I couldn’t have been asleep for more than a few minutes.

“I’m the bad guy, I’m a savage, I’m obsessive, I’m dramatic!”the male singer wails loudly.

The music adds to the mourning in my soul. Trikk really introduced me to music, when he gifted me that Walkman from the eighties. He even made me a mix tape. Then Frost—that dance he did for me... fuck. I can’t think about this. It hurts too badly.

I grab my pillow, and pull it over my head, trying to fall back asleep. It's fucking impossible! I get up reluctantly, going to use the toilet. I move to the sink, grabbing the soap to quickly wash my hands and face, and between my legs.

I feel a bitch of a headache building, so I lie back down. The music continues for so long, I think I’m going to go batshit crazy. The same fucking song, over and over...

After what feels like forever, it finally stops. Thank fuck! I lie back down, passing out in a heartbeat.

I'm forced awake again—this time with colored, flashing lights. “Ugh! Dammit!” I toss my pillow at the bars. “Come on!”

I shiver, the lights far too familiar. My first memory has colored lights.

Phoenyxx Age 8

The lights are so bright, it’s making me dizzy. There are so many colors—blue, red, green. They’re moving around in circles and flashing.

I’m chained up to the bad wall again. The bad man took my clothes off first. I don’t know what’s about to happen, but I’m scared.

I strain my ears, making out voices in the background. The bad man is talking to some other people. I hear men and women both.

I want to go home! I can’t remember where that is, though.

Tears prick my eyes when the man comes over, stroking a finger down my cheek.

“Time for some fun, Bella. You'll be a good girl, right?”

I just nod my head, words getting stuck in my mouth.

Music starts playing loudly, and the voices get closer and closer. I whimper, needing it all to stop!

Sirens start blaring obnoxiously, along with the lights. Goosebumps prickle along my arms, my senses so raw it physically aches.

Some of that memory is new to me. I swear, I don’t recall that conversation. And that nickname, Bella. This is the first time I remember hearing that bastard call me that.

I cradle my poor head, rocking and thinking. They think I’m passing some sort of fucked-up test, so if I keep fighting, will they let me go?

I doubt it. I remember Valley... and choke back a sob. She told me no one ever comes back from here. The Morgue. A fitting name for this hellhole.

After some time, the lights and sirens stop. I know it’s only temporary, but I force myself to close my eyes again. Maybe they’ll let me sleep more than five minutes...

Bryan

I don’t have the energy, or will, to fight. Fight for what?

The only person I’ve ever loved is gone.

Sure, my parents love me. I grew up in a mostly-normal family. As an only child, I was always given whatever I wanted. When I was young, my mother showed me a lot of affection. But, when I hit puberty, she pulled away.