A Year in Juvenile Detention : Carl Gallagher

Rumors

The rivalry between Carl and Areum continued to escalate, turning the detention center into a battleground. Each day brought new pranks, rumors, and confrontations, keeping both of them on edge and the rest of the inmates entertained.

One morning, Carl decided to hit Areum where it hurt. He knew how much she valued her privacy and her sketchbook, so he hatched a plan to embarrass her in front of everyone. While everyone was in the dining hall for breakfast, Carl snuck into the common area and found Areum's sketchbook, which she had hidden in her usual spot. He carefully tore out a few pages and made photocopies of her drawings, then taped them up all over the detention center.

When Areum walked into the common area later that day, she was greeted by the sight of her personal sketches plastered on the walls. Her face turned red with humiliation and rage. The other inmates snickered and pointed, enjoying the spectacle.

Carl leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smug grin on his face. "Nice artwork, Areum. Didn't know you wanted to share with the class."

Areum clenched her fists, barely containing her anger. "You're dead, Gallagher."

The next day, Areum got her revenge. She knew Carl had a soft spot for his family, especially his older sister. She managed to get hold of a few personal letters Carl had received from Fiona, letters he treasured. During lunch, she read them aloud to the entire dining hall, twisting the words to make Carl look weak and pathetic.

"Listen to this," Areum called out, standing on a chair. "Dear Carl, we miss you so much. Please try to stay out of trouble. We can't wait to have you home. Love, Fiona." She laughed, mocking the sentiment. "Sounds like someone's a mommy's boy."

Carl's face turned a deep shade of red. He stood up, knocking his chair over. "You think you're funny, Areum? You're gonna pay for that."

Areum jumped down from the chair, smirking. "Bring it on, Carl. I'm not afraid of you."

Their feud reached new heights over the next week. Carl sabotaged Areum's meals, making sure she got the worst food or none at all. Areum retaliated by spreading rumors about Carl's supposed alliances with the guards, making him a target for suspicion and hostility.

The guards were constantly breaking up their fights, issuing warnings and extra chores as punishment. But neither Carl nor Areum seemed to care. They were locked in a battle of wills, each determined to come out on top.

One afternoon, during a group therapy session, the tension boiled over. The counselor was trying to get everyone to share their feelings, but Carl and Areum were too busy glaring at each other to participate.

"Carl, would you like to share?" the counselor asked, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Sure," Carl said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I feel like I'm surrounded by idiots who can't mind their own business."

Areum rolled her eyes. "You're one to talk, Gallagher. You're the biggest idiot here."

Carl leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "At least I'm not a coward hiding behind her sketches."

Areum's face turned red. She stood up, fists clenched. "Say that again, I dare you."

Carl stood up too, ready for another fight. "You're a coward, Areum. Always have been, always will be."

The room erupted in chaos as the two of them lunged at each other. The guards rushed in, pulling them apart once again. As they were dragged away, they continued to shout insults at each other, their hatred palpable.