503

It's a new beginning for me. For us. The flashing lights won't follow me here. We will be free. You are free. This room is colder than the one I used to have. The stone walls must be the reason for that. They drip and drop to the sound of my neighbors rushing around. Maybe I should say something. I should, shouldn't I? I move to the beat up, broken door. "Um…could you please lower the noise." The door peers open. "You again. We already told you to leave us be." The door slams in my face. How does he know me…we just met?

Laundry day. The worst day of the week. Cold water, soap, and the dreaded walk to 5 floors down to the dark, dirty basement. This room is a perfect picture of the feeling this place gives off. Cold, eerie, and somehow dark. The smell of everything is what makes today even less enjoyable. It reminds me of something, something I cannot place. I move some clothes to the washer and some more to a dryer. Throwing in what each need, I turn to leave. "It's you right? The one who tried to take from the room on floor 5?" Yes, we did. "I'm sorry have we met?" The short girl in front of me rolls her eyes. "We met yesterday. The day you moved in. You stole poor Mr. H's things." She claimed. "I didn't steal anything." Yes. Yes, we did.

The mail soon came along with the pounding of each door on the floor. A quick bang followed by the sound of papers flying. It was my turn to grab the mail from the ground near the door. "What is this?" it's not ours. "These are all addressed to a Mr. H. Who is that?" The one we stole from. Soon I discovered the number 503. That's next door. I knock on the door. Ehh what's that smell. It's like the one from the basement. The same kind of stale air almost musty came from the door. "Hello?" My knock was slightly strong as it tapped the door. There was no answer as it creaked opened.

The room was cold. It was spotless. All that it had was a two leather-looking chairs near the other wall facing away from me. It did seem like one was being used. A figure with long black hair mid-way down their back sat lazily in the chair. It was like they were waiting. I was.

"Who are you?" "You don't remember? How cute." Their voice wasn't happy. It was like nails on a chalkboard. I am your creation. I am your savior. They smiled an evil smirk and chose to ask another question. "Do you remember why you left? Why you are here?" I only shook my head as fear took my words from me. "I answered your wish. Your fear is no more. The one who ran from the light." He's gone. They said he was sent away. He is gone. I couldn't hear any more as I rushed out the door but I didn't see any hallway.

I looked up with a gasp towards the dark grey cement, the same cold metal bars, as I lay on the single bed in a small space. This isn't my floor. Where am I?

"Inmate 503. It's time."

Don't worry I'll keep us safe. Like I did before.