Chapter 8:

Tris eventually got what she had originally wanted. After departing from Four, Dr. Pedrad had finished his tour and led her back to his office.

"Can I have a pair of scissors?"

Dr. Pedrad nodded reluctantly and directed her to return them after use. Tris wasn't planning anything, she just needed to alter a photo. She took out her only family pictures that she had brought with her and started to cut the glossy page. She had carefully cut around her and her brother, letting her parents fall to the ground after finishing. She picked the scraps up off the floor and discarded them into the trash. Then, she returned the scissors and listened to Dauntless' long list of rules.

Always keep the medical bracelet on.

Visitors will be allowed during visiting hours: 9:00-4:00.

No shoelaces or drawstrings

No sharp objects permitted in rooms or during unsupervised times.

Take medication correctly and willingly (even if Tris resisted, she would be given the medication one way or another)

Eat what is given to you

Be in bed by "lights out"

No wallets, electronics, or bags

Stay in permitted clothes only (Tris wondered if she would be allowed to wear her band t-shirts)

No unpermitted relationships (Dr. Pedrad had watched Tris carefully for that one - he had seen something before, something a little bit...strange)

Do not be late to scheduled activities

Outdoor time must be spent outdoors

Do not disrespect other patients or nurses/staff.

Do not lie

Do not steal

Do not bribe

Do not leave the building without supervision-even to go into the courtyard

Do not eat or drink anything without asking a nurse

Do not leave your room until nurses permit you.

Spend your free time in the lounge, the cafeteria, or the group therapy room

Do not threaten or harm other patients

Do not stand on chairs (she was definitely glared at for that one)

Do not bounce or jump on or from a bed.

Do not attempt self-harm or suicide

Do not sing disruptively (Tris wasn't sure if she could do that one)

And the list went on forever. Tris listened. She wasn't a goody-two-shoes, but she didn't like trouble. Or attention. She figured that if she just followed the rules and laid low and didn't make any trouble, she could just blend into the pristine walls and hallways. She was soon dismissed for lunch. Tris wasn't given a watch, but there were clocks in almost every hall and room. She saw the time was 9:00 in the afternoon. And, as usual, Tris was lost. She was still walking the halls when she heard laughing. She turned the corner and found three boys around her age cackling menacingly. They had backed someone into a corner. Tris could see a boy's fist clenching, straining to see the rest of him. She could hear, though, that he was crying. The sight made Tris's heart wrench and she fought the urge to throw up and scream at the same time. She wasn't sure why he felt the need to protect this kid. She didn't know who he was, or even how to help him. She looked around quickly, but didn't see a soul in sight. The boys were talking to him now in low voices. Tris strained her ears to hear what they were saying, trying to get a grasp on the situation. She turned her attention back to the boys before realizing something that made his heart stop.

A/N sorry it took so long to upload. Just went through a bit of a tough situation (not to mention that election tho), but I'm okay now and ready to post more! Thank you so much for sticking with me. I know that this may not make too much sense, but please let me know if you actually like the story/what you want to see in it! Thank you love you all 3