I don't have any nightmares tonight, but I sleep restlessly; jerking awake often and not being able to fall asleep instantly again.
After awaking for the fifth time, I sit up and roll my neck. When I glance at the opposite cell, I see Aster already awake. He doesn't look like he got much sleep at all. Little purplish bags sit under his eyes, as well as the bruises littering his face.
''How are you feeling?'' My voice croaks.
He shrugs, ''Could be better.''
I sigh and rest my head on the stone wall behind me.
My whole body is sore from sleeping on the floor. You'd think you would get used to it, but my body still aches every day.
I close my eyes and listen to the little noises around me. Not anywhere near as lively as the forest, but doable. If I focus hard enough, I can hear Asters breathing, the changing of the guards outside the metal door and the rustle of another prisoner moving around.
''So,'' Aster clears his throat, ''What do you do all day down here.''
I open my eyes to look at him.
''Well, I try to escape this place in any way I can. I sleep. Sometimes I stretch my libs or try to strengthen them. Whatever to escape this temporary''
''How do you escape this place, mentally, I mean? If there was an actual way out, I don't think you'd still be here.''
''Nope, I'd be long gone.'' I don't add that there might be a way to escape. It's no use for him to know.
''I used to live in the forest, so on some days, most days,'' I correct myself, ''I will pretend to be back. To run through the woods and climb the trees or meet up with my friends. I might even retell the stories of constellations to myself.''
As I stop myself there, I feel as if I have said too much. I have brought back all my happy memories in those few sentences. It angers me that Chief took all of that away from me.
He, Cayden, got taken away from me. My love and world.
I am suddenly overwhelmed by the idea of escaping and showing Aster the beauty of my forest.
''I never had the time to look up to the stars and learn their tales.'' Aster says quietly after a moment. ''They have always amazed me. Someone saw them and put down their stories for us.''
''I can tell you about them.'' The words slip out before I can think better of it.
His eyes snap to mine and widen slightly in excitement. ''Really? I'd love to hear it!''
And so I tell him about the constellations. I describe the star formations and tell him about the legends revolving around them.
He listens intensely and reminds me of my friend from the forest, Sivelle. She always greedily took in the stories and knowledge I shared with her. Gosh, I miss her.
We both get distracted by this and the hours tick by adequately and calm.
For the first time, the pressure of the prison is manageable.
YOU ARE READING
The Forest Behind Bars
FantasíaAvery has been locked up for a long time now. Hurting both mentally and physically. But the arrival of a new prisoner gives her a chance at hope. Hope for escaping and a future. A chance at returning to her beloved forest.
