Deck of Cards

Day 13- Scarlett

Six of clubs- starvation for 7 hours

Scarlett's POV

Despite all my free time I hadn't thought of a plan, it was like my brain was full of clouds. There seemed to be no escape. The ally I thought I had had left me and I was back to square one. It was another starvation day; hunger had now consumed me and I didn't know if I could survive seven hours just looking at food. Just smelling the deliciousness.

Food deprivation had changed me.

I dreamt about food, about devouring certain plates of food. I could almost taste flavours on my tongue as I saw pizza and burgers in my subconscious. I missed being able to enjoy food and not just shovelling it in to survive.

My guard dragged me down corridors with a sour face- maybe torturing me was getting boring. That scared me. What if they decided they needed to do more? I needed to survive for a while longer before I had an escape plan ready.

In the distance I could see the chamber of torture with the table in front of the chair. It had been the worst challenge so far, the knowing that I could just grab the food in front and scoff it down made it unbearable. I felt like I was fighting myself and not the people who were keeping me captive; on one side there was my brain and on the other was my stomach.

I almost didn't feel them strap me in, I was too focused on prepping myself for the task ahead. I knew what was coming this time- I would be prepared. First they brought out a bowl of strawberries; their redness was a nice contrast to the blacks and greys I had become accustomed to in the dark experience. They looked so juicy, so edible. I wanted to reach out and grab them, all of them, and just taste their sweetness on my tongue. Taste something. Anything.

I dug my fingers into my palms and gritted my teeth- I wouldn't be taken down so easily. I made it through the first dish without completely losing it. To say I was proud would be an understatement. My willpower was finally shining through. It gave me the motivation I needed to succeed.

The next few courses didn't tempt me, I had no interest in chocolate or crisps; all I craved were full meals. Full hot meals. I was wasting away on the muck they fed us however my stomach was beginning to get used to it. I no longer had the bouts of sickness and nausea. It didn't mean that I like eating it though. It was a necessity not a choice.

Finally I met my match, it was a full roast with all the trimmings. I could smell the gravy and chicken from where I was sat, however, I composed myself despite the saliva threatening to fall from my lips. I wanted to reach out and stuff my mouth with the heavenly food. I was on the edge of my seat, listening to conflicting views that circled through my head. On the one side I told myself that it wasn't worth my life but on the other all I heard was 'FOOD'. I was stuck in an endless cycle and I couldn't escape no matter how hard I tried.

Relief washed over me as they took the plate away. I had made it! I had done what seemed like the impossible. Whilst waiting for the next dish to arrive, I noticed a roast potato left on the table. It had fallen off the plate in the midst of it being taken away. I couldn't tell if it was a trick sent by them or just an accident. Hunger took over and I grabbed the potato and held it in my hands like a newborn baby. Deciding that I wanted it for later I placed it in my pocket just as the next meal was being brought in.

I looked at the guard this time rather than the food and I studied him. He was blonde with green eyes that shimmered even in the dull light. Before he left, I thought I saw him wink at me. The potato was no accident, it was a sign of hope. Somebody was on my side.

Back in my cell, I pulled the potato out of my pocket slowly and held it in my hand. It was still warm, only mildly though. I nibbled it at first, relishing in the pure taste of the starchy food. It felt so good to eat something edible again and eat something that reminded me so much of home.

I felt like my energy stores were being replenished and although the potato was relatively small- it had given me the drive I needed.