1
HUXLEY
I’m all alone.
My body is shaking.
I’m alone. I’m so fucking alone.
I curl my fingers into a tight fist, nails biting into my sweaty palms, willing myself not to shake. I can’t show weakness. I can’t show emotion.
I’m alone, so fucking alone.
Alone, alone, alone, alone?—
“Step up, state your name and age,” a stern voice dictates.
Snapping my head up to face Officer Berty on my left, I choke down my beating heart before quickly walking up to the bench on shaky legs where he’s waiting for me. The intake room is full of men just like me, waiting for their turn. But the silence is stifling.
“Huxley McKenna.” My voice cracks, I don’t bother clearing my throat, and push through. “Eighteen.”
Officer Berty glares down at me from the height of his booted feet, his face freshly shaven with ruddy cheeks and a severe brow.
I want to puke.
Iwant to scream.
I want to bash my fists against my head and wail.
“One article of clothing at a time. Got it?” His lips curl with every word.
He hates me. He hates everyone here.
My mouth is so dry I can barely lick my lips, but I give a quick little sniff and nod silently.
“Shirt first,” Officer Berty orders.
As I pull my shirt off, the first hit of the cold air on my heated skin solidifies my fate.
I’m a prisoner.
Scum of the earth.
I’m nothing but a failure.
I hand Officer Berty my shirt.
Then come the shoes.
“Bang them together,” he barks.
I do as he said.
“Socks next. Turn them inside out.”
The floor is dirty, grit digs into my naked soles as I bite into my cheek, knowing what will eventually come next.
I take my jeans off.
