OneMistake

"WAKEUP! NOW!" Mr. Snyder had unlocked his cell and had begun to bet him with a cane.

"Stop it won't cha!" He yelled. This was the third time that week that the old man had woke him up in such a manner. A few weeks ago he had gotten in a fight with a boy who called him a "shortie", it may have been a dumb fist fight but it landed him in solitary for two whole weeks. He had now been in the refuge for one whole year and was almost seven years old, granted that his birthday was in two months. It seemed that every little thing a boy did gave him another two months in the refuge. Jack Kelly had come to visit him after his first four months and gave him some new clothes, he told Francis that he was going to Santa Fe to start over. The clothes were made of wool and probably cost a good sum of money so he was grateful. Now they came in handy in the cold cell that he was confined to. He longed to be back in the boy's dorm with all of his friends and today he would be given that chance.

"GET UP AND GET DRESSED, YOUR TIMES UP!" He yelled at the little boy that was laying before him on a cot. Quickly Sullivan jumped out of bed and ran out the door. He began singing and every boy turned to see what had happened. A short and skinny boy came running towards him. When they met both boys spit in their hands and shook each other's hands.

"What took so long Jack?" asked the skinny boy.

"I told ya my name's Francis"

"I know, but that ain't a street name."

"And Spot is? That sounds that you're a dog?"

"Just wait till we get outa here and you'll understand. Hopefully you'll toughen up as well…"

"Hey! I'm stuff enough to bet anyone here, but you!"

"I guess but out there the bad ones don't get caught,"

"Then why are you here?"

"I told ya I was drunk and passed out,"

"Why were you drinking at six? Most kids are age are in their first year of scho…"

"We ain't most kids, Jack. We have to grow up and defend ourselves, learning isn't a priority."

"You can't say that Spot. To grow up we got to have the brains…"

"You saying I'm not smart? Just now I came up with a full proof plan to get us outa here and you calling me dumb?"

"What type of plan are we talking about? You mean escaping?"



"You are smart Jack" Spot patted Jack on the back and walked over to his bunk. When he came back He handed Jack a rolled up piece of paper.

"HURRY UP! GET DRESSED AND IN ATTENDTION!!" Yelled a guard from the door.