Yin's Story

35

"Yin, wake up." A soft voice calls. I groan sitting up. 

"Finally! God, we're going to get beaten because of this kid!" Tristan's angry voice sounds. I rub my eyes adjusting to the light peering in through the small barred window on the back wall. 

"And she's not even dressed!"

"Leave her alone Tristan!" Marigold quickly retorts. I stare at the both of them quietly still not fully awake. Marigold holds my uniform in one hand in the other she holds a pair of keys. Car keys.

"I don't mean to rush you, but we're already running late and the Warden won't wait for much longer." She adds handing it to me. I stare at it for a moment flashbacks of my last visit to the Church running through my mind. 

"Oh yeah, take your time!" Tristan sarcastically exclaims.

Get dressed Yin. Yang's voice is loud in my brain. Reluctantly, I begin to undress throwing my clothing into a pile. Marigold slips on my shoes while I button up my dress shirt. Once I slip on my skirt Marigold takes my hand and we start running. My stubby legs cause me to almost trip at least six times. The guards in the distance quickly open the large metal gates ahead of us. We quickly reach the large black car at the end of the dirt driveway. The Warden leans against the driver's side door smoking a cigarette. The smoke from it irritates both my nose and throat. 

"You're late." He says with the cigarette still in his mouth. 

"Sorry, sir,"

"Did you wake Ms.Dagenhart?"

"Yes, sir. Although sir, she wanted to take her time making herself look presentable." Tristan scowls. Son of a bitch! The Warden stands and turns to us.

"Dagenhart, come here," he says sternly. I don't move until Marigold pushes me forward. I stand before The Warden with my head down. 

"My eyes are up here, Dagenhart." 

I slowly bring my eyes up to his. 

"I thought I said you needed to be on time, did I not? Is what Tristan is saying true?" He asks. 

Just say yes. Trust me on this. 

"Y-Yes, sir, It's true."

"Present your arm," He says.

 I slowly roll up my sleeve holding my arm out for him. He takes the cigarette out of his mouth twirling it between his fingers. He firmly wraps his fingers around my tiny wrist holding it in place. Oh shit, whatever you do Yin don't scream or cry. That will only make it worse for you. 

Before I can ask Yang why The Warden flips the cigarette in his hand and presses it down into my skin. A small squeak escapes my lips as my skin burns. I try to pull away but The Warden only holds me tighter. The burning sensation is unbearable. I blink away my tears as I watch my skin become charred and black. Blood begins to drip down my small wrist hitting the dirt below me. He does this two more times before finally releasing me. I stumble backward holding my wrist with my free hand. He straightens up his suit before saying

"I want you all in the car and ready to go in five minutes. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Marigold and Tristan answer in unison.

He turns around, opens the door in the back, and climbs inside. 

"Tristan you drive." 

"Why do I have to drive?" He asks annoyed.

"Just do as I tell you!"

Marigold runs to me helping me up. She looks closely at the burn marks on my arm.