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Was it night? Was it day? She couldn’t really tell. The only way she knew was from how the man came down with something like a book, or just some mediocre food.
“Sam!” He cooed out, a small echo through the underground cell. “Lunch time.”
His mood swung to being a sadistic asshole, and being a creepy, sadistic asshole.
He opened the cell door, locking it behind him. He put down the tray on the table and sat on the chair beside it. He didn’t seem too mad right now. She took a small, testing bite.
The cooking wasn’t as bad this time. Just some boxed mac and cheese.
He really took that comment seriously about the food last time, huh?
“I would rather eat dirt than eat this ‘soup’ again! Why shouldn’t I just pick the food next time?” She tried to sound assertive, almost working to hide her fearful eyes.
He almost looked resigned, but she couldn’t tell with him. “Well, what do you want?”
“..You’re letting me choose?” She tried to play it up as if it was a tongue-in-cheek remark. “...I don’t know, mac and cheese.”
It was normal for the most part, but he stopped half-way at his bowl, perking up. “Hey, I have an idea.” He had a smirk plastered on his face, making her face scrunch up. Grabbing a spoonful of the macaroni, he scooted closer to her and leaned down.
Placing the warm bowl on her lap, she leaned back towards the wall and crossed her arms. “Alright, Romeo. Not interested in it.”
“Come on, Sam. Just once.”
“No way!” She said a bit louder than she would’ve liked it to be. Which, in return, made him click his teeth and scowl.
“Just once. Please?” Does he think saying ‘please’ will help him look less like a weirdo?
She stayed silent and glared at him. She wanted to eat in peace.
He placed the spoon closer to her lips as she tightened them. “Say ahh…”
After she did nothing to open her mouth, he growled and pursed her lips. The spoon hit her teeth a few times, but he finally got the food in.
Coughing from how it hit her gag reflex, she tried to swallow to keep him pacified for now. “Good.” He beamed, more than he should have. “Wasn’t that sweet of me?” It was almost sickeningly mocking.
But true to his word, he only fed her that way once.
–
She sat on the prison bed, reading the last book he gave her. She had no idea how that creep got these books, since no store wouldn’t just kick him out. Maybe he did have these books stored somewhere.
She didn’t really care. ‘It didn’t matter.’ She told herself. Caring never helped anyone, not Billy nor Emma.
Why did she have to be the one to survive? Why was she so selfish? Being his so-called friend was a good idea the first time she thought of it, but now…
She had to see the others turn into pieces of wood as she pretended to ignore their cries.
* * *
”Oh, Sam!” He yelled out, the man chasing her through the mines. It was kind of claustrophobic. He was so much faster than her, and he knows this place in the back of his mind. But she kept running as long as her legs could take her. She was out of breath, but there was a small space she could get through! Maybe–
She tried to crawl under, but she felt his hand on her leg. “Gotcha.” He chuckled as he dragged her towards him. “You’re quick, but not that quick.” Smug bastard.
She couldn’t remember much after that escape attempt. She sighed as she put the book down. Looking at her leg, was the cuff. There weren't any keyholes she could unlock and–
..?
She heard angry ramblings. It was probably that freak. The door opened to a familiar sight; another kid like her, getting dragged by him. The young boy had brown hair, and a yellow jacket with short sleeves. He was barely conscious, with a small bruise on his head forming.
She stared at the man, who was beating the poor kid almost to death. She could tell he was furious at him, for reasons she couldn’t have guessed. He usually just kidnaps them, right? What did he do, anyway?
“What are you looking at, Sam? It doesn’t concern you.” It kind of did.
She snarked. “Yeah, yeah, of course. Tough guy.”
She felt that eyeroll even from this distance.
–
The brunette kid was still unconscious. His almost-deteriorating prison was a bit farther away from hers, but she could tell there were a few bruises on his face and arms, with a few scratches on his knees.
Her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to focus back on her book. But she kept sneaking glances.
She felt like she knew him from school. His name started with a T, if she recalled from class introduction… and from the scuffles she saw at the playground.
Oh well.
Though, she could see a few bricks he could pull out or even knock with his body if he hit hard enough. That shovel could be helpful. The man used it to knock Billy and Emma unconscious, if she recalled correctly.
Not like she was hoping for anything.
…Maybe.