Listen

3

3

The floorboards were not so shocking to the system here and the room felt warmer with the group of people. I was surrounded with a quiet buzz as everyone readied themselves. I have been in this room long enough to get to know my other roommates. Well, vaguely. There was the one who snored, the one who tapped her feet, the one who was usually gone out, and the one who cracks his knuckles often. It's not too bad sharing a room with people, but wouldn't it be amazing to have your own space at times. Although, I will admit, I love having Emily as a roommate.

A half-full glass sat on my beside table. I picked up and swirled the water inside, watching the waves. As I leaned down to open my drawer to get out my prescription bottle, Emily landed onto my freshly made bed.

Sitting up to look at her, I said, "Really?"

She smirked at me before grabbing onto my forearm. "Hurry, the guys said they would hold a spot for us but we have to be quick."

I nodded with grin and followed her out of the dorm.

Mornings are not too bad here. Mainly because it's not half as cold inside here.

I held onto my hands as I walked to a big building near the dorm. The brisk morning outdoor air felt reviving in my chest, helpful to wake you up. Emily yawned into her elbow as she shuffled along beside me.

"And I thought my old Sector was tiring," she said lazily. I giggled and raised my hands.

"At least this training isn't killing your hands."

They were covered in little cuts and the joints in my fingers were red raw. I winced thinking back to last night when Emily tried to apply some ointment which left them stinging. I'm still jealous of her; it's not fair that her hands are used to work and were fine, while mine couldn't handle a few punches.

Opening the door to the training room allowed the loud talking to escape. We wandered through the mass of people until we reached the strength area. I could see Sam and Finn waiting nearby. After quickly saying hello, we separated to start working. Finding the pull-up bars, I rubbed my hands in anticipation. In one move, I quickly jumped and grabbed onto the bar. I steadied my breathing and fixed my hands to the least painful position, and began to heave my body upwards. Squeezing my eyes shut, my arms trembled as I tried to hold myself up for as long as possible before letting my body fall back to go again.

"Sine."

My eyes opened to Finn standing in front of me. Dropping off the bar, I rubbed my palms on my trousers.

"Little busy right now, Finn," I said with a short laugh.

"I know. How's your hands?" he said, extending his own. I rested mine on his and he ran his finger over the palm. He carefully avoided any extra sore bits, like the blisters at the base of my fingers.

"Are you using the ointment?" he asked while he looked closely at my hand. I nodded and shrugged.

"I don't know how well it's working." He looked up to my face and smiled warmly.

"Don't worry it will," he reassured me as he dropped my hand. "Anyway..."

He gave me a cocky look before saying, "I bet that I can hold onto the bars longer than you."

I put my head to the side in disbelief. "Really Finn? You're such a little kid."

His smile faltered before I quickly continued, "But you're so on."