Surviving the Jungle

A Bodyguard?

The ring of the bell wakes me up. The sky has darkened, meaning the guards left us in the yard for longer than usual. Everybody is going back inside, including Blade and his friend. I follow quickly behind them as I don't want yesterday's guard to push me again. On top of that, I'm afraid that Vix might come for me now that the men are gone. I make myself small as I hurry to my cell. I'm thankful once I'm in the right corridor. Vix's cell is in another one, so I feel safer. However, I can see Blade getting in his cell a few rooms away. He hasn't looked at me once since I went to see him the second time, but it's fine. I'd rather be ignored than choked to death.

Dinner is served soon after. Tonight, I've got some mashed potatoes and some bread. It's one of my favourites here. I know it doesn't sound (nor look) luxurious, but it's one of the best meals the Jungle has to offer.

I sit on my bed as I eat, then look at the paper calendar stuck to my wall. Yet another thing that Marie got me. Tomorrow's my birthday. I dread it. In here, the guards have a cruel tradition. For each inmate's birthday, they put them in the yard early in the morning, when it's still cold and humid. They let them out there all day, until nightfall, without giving them any food. And in the evening, the inmate can't fall asleep, otherwise they pour cold water over them. It won't be nice, but I know I'll survive. On the other hand, the younger and older prisoners usually struggle more. 

With that thought in mind, I try to sleep. Tomorrow won't be easy, not only because of my birthday, but also because I don't know where I'll spend the day once the other inmates are in the yard. I can't go back to the left side. Vix will come for me. Since Blade didn't say anything earlier and let me sit close to him, I'll try to do the same tomorrow. That's my best strategy. Vix won't dare come bother me if Blade is close by, and if I remain quiet, he probably won't hurt me. I hope so, at least.

Morning comes quicker than I would have wanted, and a couple of guards come fetch me from my cell, guiding to the yard. There's a bit of wind, but it's bearable. I decide to go directly to the gym equipements. I don't know if people other than Blade and his friend use them, but I believe they use them the most, so I'll just wait there until they arrive. 

The guards watch me curiously as they see me sitting on the workout bench. I feel like I shouldn't be here. I'm out of place. Considering I'll be here all day and I wasn't allowed to take my book or paper, I decide to try to do some bench press. I've never lifted any weight in my life. My arms are skinny and weak, but I'm bored. The two guards understands my thought process and waits for me to try to lift the bar. They're some of the nicer ones. I've seen them talking to Marie before. But I don't know them well enough to go talk to them. I really hoped Marie would be on duty for my birthday, but I also knew it wouldn't be the case. Once, she explained to me that she didn't really like this tradition and rarely was on duty on this days. Other guards liked it better than she did as they wanted to see the inmates punished. 

Tomorrow, when my birthday is over, I hope Marie can take me to the staff room so that I can read on the balcony. I really need a break.

I look at the bar above my head, then at the heavy disks on each side. There's no way I can lift this. I still take a deep breath and wrap my hands around the bar. I hadn't noticed how thick it was. My fingers are slightly dry from always using chalk, but my hands feel too thin and delicate around the bar. I get ready and push with all my might, but nothing happens. I exhale and try again, but nothing works. I look at the other weights, the heavy dumbbells, but know I won't be able to lift any of them. 

What were the guards even thinking when they gave those to us? Some people could use them to hurt one another. Or at least the stronger ones could use them, because they would be useless to me and my weak arms.

I look back at the bench and the bar. Maybe I should remove some disks on the side. I try it, but struggle.

"You're going to hurt yourself, be careful!" one of the guards tells me.