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Chapter 11

Cold.  Unbearable cold.  That was the first sense I felt before opening my eyes.  I don't want to open my eyes.  I don't want to know what the Boss has done to us now.  Or is there even an us anymore?  Did they take me away from Dustin, Jordan, and Emily?  Or am I the only one left...?

Reluctantly, I opened my eyes.

I saw Jordan, Emily, and Dustin immediately.  They are here.  They're alive.  Both Dustin and Emily were still unconscious, but Jordan was staring straight at the ground.

"This is not good, Casey,"  He noticed me wake up. "The Boss will not let us go.  She won't let us off easy.  I don't even think we can go back to our old cell."

"What?"  Then I took in my surroundings.  He's right that we were no longer in our old cell, this one was much more inhumane.  Each of us is huddled in a corner, and pressed up against the wall...  Even Dustin and Emily.  I noticed my jacket had been taken from me and so had Emily's.  Dustin and Jordan didn't even have shirts on.  That was when I saw all the bruises and scratches on the boys; not to mention their slightly skinnier frames than that of normal teenagers.  Another reason we need to escape.  Emily seemed alright, but she definitely needed more food as well.  My attention returned to the new cell and the layout of it:  No windows, no toilet, no vents, and the door made of solid cement.  Oh, and did I mention the whole thing was now the size of a closet?  It was hard not to brush against everyone while sitting.

"Oh no.  Jordan what are we gonna do?"

"The only thing we can do.  Send for help before the Boss tortures us,"  He'd somewhat regained his cool.

"Do you mean the plan worked?  You know where we are?"  If Jordan even saw a glimpse of the outside, all that fighting might be worth it.

"Yes.  I know some surroundings, but I need you to help me narrow it down."

"I'll do anything I can."

"Good.  Now the first thing I saw was trees.  Lots of them.  Probably the only thing around for miles.  According to the fact that we are all from the same state, and it contains trees of this nature, we might still be in it."

"Really?  That's a huge start,"  The tension started to subside from my bones.

"Yeah, I know.  Except that's all I have.  We're somewhere in this state."

"Oh.  Well there are only a few places that are this secluded here.  I used to camp in every part of the state with my dad.  He took me every chance he got..."

"Now remember, Casey,"  My dad's voice rang in my ears as I drifted back to one of our camping adventures, "If you ever get lost do you remember what to do?"

"Um... come looking for you?"  My six-year-old self asked.

"Not quite, sweetheart,"  He placed his hand on my shoulder and bent down, "You see all this green?"

"Yes, sir,"  I nodded, wanting to learn.

"Well in each of these forests there are ways you can tell if you are close to people.  You may find clues that lead you to them, like litter, or footsteps left by others.  These marks we leave behind could help you find me one day if I ever lose you,"  He ruffled my hair, "You got it, sport?"

"Yes, sir,"  I spoke proudly, hoping to go explore soon after this talk, yet still curious, "But what if- if I can't find the clues?  What if there are none?"

"Well that's a good question,"  He looked around, "Hey, I know.  If that ever happens, you have to listen real hard, Casey.  You may be able to hear cars speed by if you are close to a street or highway."