I sit up in my tiny, white bed. Everything in the room is plainly colored, splattered with aging white or gray. Sighing, I look down at my clothes. They're beginning to tear and rip all over.
"Great," I growl to myself.
The rain falls lazily, not once breaking its beautiful, gentle pour. I often catch myself staring at its pattern while the rest of the world twirls on around me. I hear the soft creaking of doors being opened and closed. It's becoming a song all over the hushed building. A sweet, sweet song.
"Sami, are you joining us today? They're planning a bunch of activities outside, and I'd just love something fun around here. If you don't go, you'll be bored!"
I laugh as Jennifer says the word "fun".
"Samantha."
I turn, smiling, and get a soft smile back.
Outside, several tables are set up. I'm greeted by several friends. A few people are those I never would've spoken to in the real world. But this isn't the real world-not really-and I see these people everyday.
"Sami, hey, good morning! How are you? Wow, I missed you yesterday. Did you swoop by the cafeteria? Great breakfast this morning."
I smile coldly at the thought of a "great breakfast".
"No, I couldn't catch it today. What was there?"
"All kinds of stuff; you should check it out."
"Maybe lunch."
Kristen nods and walks off to the second table.
"What are you doing? Why are you talking to that?" I hear behind me.
"Nicole," I frown.
I turn slightly, letting her know I'm not exactly in the mood to talk about Kristen.
"So, answer my question. What are you doing? Why her? She's got no reason to talk to you. She has no right after what she did."
"Which time, Nicole?"
"All of the times! Sami, you know better." She looks at me, pleadingly.
"Time for bed, Samantha. Let's go take your pills."
Maggie pulls me from the table at dinner and tugs me into my ugly room again.
"I heard you talked to Kristen and Nicole today. How'd that go?"
"Just fine, Maggie."
She nods and tucks me underneath the blanket. She hands me two paper cups. One for my water, one for my pills.
"You know, you can call me Sami, Maggie."
She nods, pats my arm, and walks out of my room.
"Lights out," I hear from above me.
Suddenly, the whole hallways is overflowing with darkness.