Insight

Chapter Five: The SUGs

I woke up due to a Nurse. "You're going to miss breakfast." she stated. Someone groaned.

"I would've woken them up had they actually been about to miss breakfast." Raven said. I took a second to process everything; where I was, what was happening, why my body was revolting against me, then sat bolt upright, almost hitting my head on the ceiling, hoping Lacy wouldn't be noticed as out of place. But I heard the shower running and her bunk was empty. The Nurse nodded and left. I removed my covers and realized I'd fallen asleep in my clothes. The shower stopped as I was coming down from my bunk. Lacy emerged and I decided that I needed a shower. I got my clothes and the shower stuff and went into the bathroom, showering quickly. As I was dressing, Moxy opened the door.

"Sorry but dude we're actually gonna miss breakfast if we don't hurry." She used the bathroom while I was still in there, found toothbrushes and toothpaste behind the mirror above the sink, and handed me one. Soon all of us were in the dining hall, as was the rest of the camp. Not being a morning person, I went through the food line quickly, grabbing a bagel, cream cheese, jelly, and a coffee, and told the others I was going back to the cabin to eat. Raven, Moxy, Lucy, and Izzy followed, Lacy staying behind. I got back to the cabin, already sweating from having walked to the dining hall and back, sat down and proceeded to consume my bagel after slathering it in the cream cheese and jelly. Nobody spoke while we were eating, and around the circle were many yawns and rubbing of eyes. Lacy arrived soon enough with Aiden, Iggy, and Lilith. I checked my watch, and, seeing that it was already ten forty-five, chugged my coffee.

"Guys, we need to find the fire pit or we'll be late." I said, standing up. Moxy waved her hand dismissively. "Moxy, you need the credits, remember?" She was suddenly wide awake, chugging her own coffee and pulling me out the door. A Nurse stood at the entrance to the girls' cabins and directed us in the direction of the pit, most people still in wheelchairs, but without Nurses. The wheelchairs appeared to be automatic, going along with no one pushing it and the kids seemingly having no effect on how it moved. Nurses stood at intervals on the way, making it easy for us to find the pit, but as it turned out, we weren't going to the actual pit. We ended up in some large auditorium-type building a bit beyond the fire pit instead. I dropped into a seat near the back, grateful to have a break. Kids filed in through the one door, and rambunctiously chose seats in the dimly lit room. Our group found Moxy and I quickly and we sat in silence after everyone had adequately complimented Moxy's hair and Moxy had thanked me for it profusely. We were probably the only ones not talking animatedly and tiring ourselves out. The guy with the megaphone magically appeared in the front of the room, announcing the arrival of Those Who Be. This time, all four oddly dressed beings climbed atop the high, ornate chairs in the front of the room.

"Hello all." The one on the far left greeted us, his voice booming. "I assume you've been adjusting well?" His tone made it clear that he did not care at all. "So your Nurses will give you the code of conduct and a general schedule when you go to lunch this afternoon. You should've gotten these last night, but there was a bit of a tragedy. The kid, who I believe went by Sam, is dead and you should not expect him back." My chest seized up and the reactions of my group were those of mourning, even though we'd barely known him at all; it was still traumatic. The guy, however, showed no emotion and continued quickly on. "I'd sum up your days. but I honestly don't care."

"Be Two, civilized!" the women next to him hissed.

The guy, Be Two I assumed, sighed heavily. "You want to take over, Be Four?"

Be Four showed her exasperation but picked back up. It was obvious that she did not want to be here either. "So you have emerged from your dream worlds like butterflies from their chrysalises', the Findings instilled in you. As you know, you should have learned from your dream world, and you know what you would like to change and how you would wish to be. This second life is a blessing to you and you should use it to your advantage.