The Test

Dante 3

The days have become repetitive to me. They come down every day to give me food and water. I've seen their faces, but of course I don't recognize them. The older man looks to be in his 50's. He's got that look like he's served in the military. I did a few years myself. I'm familiar with that look. The younger man doesn't say much. Looks like he's around my age. Light-skinned. Same complexion as myself. I still can't remember anything. I even try to remember my parents' names, but I can't even do that. Everyone has parents, right? Memory has been my worst enemy. I lost track of how many days I have been in here. Fifteen, maybe sixteen days? Long enough to know that if I didn't have this lantern, I would go insane. Long enough to understand that if these people wanted me dead, they would have done it already. I just take the tray when they give it to me, and don't ask any questions. They come down three times. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That's how I have calculated the time since there is no clock or windows around me. Since there is no toilet down here, they give me a bucket to do my business in. Unsanitary, I know. They come and clean it after every dinner meal. Speaking of dinner, I'm still waiting for tonight's. It's taking them longer than usual to get here. The last time I ate feels like forever. Damnit! I need to get out of here. I lay against the wall and think of different ways that I could escape. I close my eyes and try not to panic. Try to calm down. I do this long enough to find myself asleep dreaming that same dream.