Survivor

15 > ' I'm fine, I'm lying on the floor again'

Trigger warning- mentions of abuse.
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The rest of the day went by with all of us lounging around. We stayed outside and decided to have a picnic. The chef had prepared light foods such as sandwiches, fresh fruit and baked goods. I didn't even know we had a chef. I guess you learn new things everyday.

Nicole had suggested we play 20 questions. I was immediately suspicious of the reason as to why, after noticing Giovanni give her a subtle look. I brushed it off and decided to make the most of it anyways.

"Favourite colour?" Gerardo asked.

"Grey"

"Light colours"

"Red"

"Blue"

"Green"

"Orange. The fiery type." Ricardo answered his question.

"Light pink, preferably pastels."

"Just light colours in general." Came from Mia.

They all turned to me waiting for my answer. "Umm black and grey. I gravitate towards darker colours." I answered.

We seemed to be following a set order. Staring with Enrico, followed by Alessio, Dante, Leonardo, Gerardo, Ricardo, Armella, Mia and then me. The last two were Giovanni and Nicole.

"Black" Giovanni answered followed by Nicole who went with purple. Toni was the only one who wasn't answering. He'd fallen asleep earlier and was now peacefully napping with his head resting in Giovanni's lap.

"Why black?" Armella asked directing her question to both Giovanni and I. I looked at him only to find him ready looking at me. He gestured towards me, indicating that I should answer the question.

"You mean other than the fact that if you get black clothing dirty, it's barely noticeable?" I asked half joking.

Armella rolled her eyes playfully. "Yes. There's got to be more to it."

I thought about it for a while trying to put my thoughts into words, that would make sense. "Well it depends on the person firstly and what perspective they look at it from."

I paused thinking about it. "Black is a colour often associated with pain, endings and death. It's a colour of darkness and mystery."

"But black can also be seen as a symbol of those who have endured hardships. It can symbolise the strength of a person. It holds power and authority."

"For some people black is a colour of fear, just like the darkness they dread, whereas for others it represents comfort and protection. They comfort found in the darkness and also protection. Black encases you, covers you up. In a way it protects you."

"Like I said earlier, it's what you make of it. Your individual understanding of it, your unique perspective. And when I think of black I think of both endings and beginnings." I let out a shaky breath when I finished. In some ways it felt as is I let them in, let them see a vulnerable part of me.

"Wow," Armella breathed out. "I definitely see it in a different light now."

The older ones were looking at me, as if they were trying to figure something out. They seemed to be deep in thought before they snapped out of it and the game continued.

Thankfully all the deep stuff was avoided and no sensitive questions were asked. It was actually nice to get to know them and I could see Mia was enjoying herself as well.

"What pranks have you pulled in school?" I smiled at that question that was asked by none other than Nicole. She really seemed like the rebel type and definitely knew how to have fun.