The Master [MxMxM+]

50

Alexander gripped the glass in his fist. His mind was in turmoil, nothing inside gave him a sense of peace or calm.

He looked into the glass holding a false escape as his mind traveled to a time in the past.

"The rules Alexander! The rules keep everything in order," his father said.

He stood stock still listening to him. Listening to his dad without interrupting, was the rule that went without say.

He knew he wasn't allowed to make friends, occasionally he'd make a few 'acquaintances' but a friend was out of the question.

Like his dad always found out, he got wind of the news that Alexander was quickly becoming fond of the daughter of one of his associates. Everyone called it a friendship, so he felt the need to correct it.

"You didn't master the rules well enough did you? We'll try another method. You're smart, I know you'll get it," his dad said and smiled.

He didn't know what he'd pay for his disobedience this time, but he didn't regret what he'd done. Her company was worth anything he'd be subjected to. But he might never see her again.

He followed his dad to a part of the house he didn't know was even there up until that time.

"You haven't seen this room before have you?" Alexander was asked.

He shook his head no.

"You wouldn't have to!" His dad said in the few seconds he showed just how unhinged he was. He sounded psychotic just before he composed himself. "If you just didn't break the rules."

No matter how he sounded, Alexander wasn't afraid of him. His father had never hit him nor even tried to, so he knew he wouldn't hurt him.

He focused on the room. It was small and the lighting wasn't so good; a little dark but enough to make things out. No windows, but high air vents with the smallest amount of light seeping through them.

His dad rolled a double sided whiteboard in front of him and turned it over, revealing all the rules scribbled on it.

He patted his son's shoulder. "If no one follows the rules, one by one, things start to crumble. You'll lose everything of any worth to you. What did I say about control?"

"You lose control, you lose everything," Alexander answered.

"Exactly son. And rules... they are the only reason control is possible. So you see, it is essential you understand."

"Yes father."

"Good, good," he said then patted his shoulder once more and walked towards the door. "I know you'll make me proud."

His father got out and he heard a click. He'd been locked inside.

Inside that tiny room, he knew he'd be expected to stay inside until he learned everything by heart, but he didn't actually think he'd be locked in.

He couldn't help it, the panic was instant.

He tried to calm down but the walls seemed to close in on him. He put his hands to his throat as his breathing quickened.

With a foolish ray of hope he tried to pull the door open but it wouldn't budge. He'd confirmed what he prayed wasn't true. He'd really been locked in.

His lungs couldn't seem to get enough air. Alexander fell to his knees and pressed his hands to his ears to stop the loud ringing in them.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he tried to push down the claustrophobia that threatened to surface.