Surviving the Jungle

Cover me

I couldn't help myself. After a few hours, I started dozing off. The lights of the corridor are usually turned off during the night, but the guards made a point of leaving them on tonight. They want me to be seen and humiliated. 

My wrists hurt. As I doze off, I almost fall and it pulls on them. I have to stay standing if I don't want the metal to dig into my flesh to hurt. The belt in my mouth is soaked in my saliva. So much so that some of it has leaked onto my chin. It's disgusting.

I don't know how long I've been there, but my eyes open at the ring of the bell. The guards start opening the cells. It's time to go out to the yard. I really wish they would uncuff me now, so that I can go out and sleep in the grass or in Blade's arms. But they don't. Most inmates pass me by, ignoring me, whereas some others whistle at me and willingly brush against my naked body. I press myself to the door, trying to create as much distance between us as I can.

Suddenly, someone's arms wrap around my waist. I turn my head to look at the person and find out that it is Blade. He's shielding my body from the lust-filled eyes of others, protecting me from their stares and unwanted touch. The cold cement under my bare feet made me shiver all night all, so I welcome Blade's warmth with a sigh. He kisses my shoulder and leans his head against mine. From my waist, one of his arms has moved to cover my breasts. The other covers the lower part of my body. I know that we've recently started being intimate with Blade, but this is more than what we've ever done. I feel like he's just holding onto me and he will never let go. I'm his to love as well as to protect.

I'm small and weak and defenseless, but at least he's here for me.

The guards in charge of guiding the inmates to the yard quickly notice Blade's position against me. They can see that he won't budge. When they leave without a word, I can sense that something is wrong. Why didn't they try to pry Blade off me. I mean, I'm glad they didn't take him away, but why?

My question is immediately answered when the Jungle Director enters the corridor.

"Hello to you two!"

He smiles at us. He seems to enjoy Blade's defiance, probably because it means he gets to punish us for it. But what if he simply kills us? Or worse, what if he only kills Blade? I can't be here without him. Right then and there, as this thought crosses my mind, I make a promise to myself. If Blade were to die before me, I would kill myself.

The director makes a sign for the guards who had accompanied him to leave. He wants to be alone with us.

"I didn't expect to meet you so soon, Mr. Blade. We haven't had our private interview yet."

Blade doesn't answer, but his laboured breathing shows his anger. He's trying to control it, but he's close to his breaking point.

"Yesterday, I believe Purity lied to me. I'm going to ask you the same question that I did to her, and offer you the same deal. You tell me the truth, I make it all better for you two.

-What's your question?

-Eager to answer me and have your girlfriend freed, I see! Well, where were you? I was told that you got out. Tell me the truth. I'm a patient man, but Purity's lies have irritated me.

-Reading.

-Reading is an activity, not a place. Purity also told me you were allowed to pick some books. Where did you get these books? Who gave them to you?"

I'm shaking, hoping Blade doesn't give away Marie's actions. She doesn't deserve it. She's a good woman. I shake my head a little and Blade sighs. He will listen to me, but ultimately, I know he would denounce Marie to save me, or himself.