CHAPTER TWO: THE SHOCK OF REALITY

Oscar gazed at his reflection in the small puddle of stagnant water. His skin, usually clear and clean, was full of dust and dirt. On his left cheek a small bruise was growing. Along with the stains and a green leaf on top of his head, he certainly looked like an abstract painting.

Looking down, he saw some superficial cuts on both arms and legs.

"Human!" A deep voice called. Oscar got up quickly.

"I am here, by order of the emperor, to bring you your dinner. It consists of a main course and two servings of water."

Behind the prison bars there was a masked man. He was tall, strong and formal. He showed the body language of someone you should respect..

In his hand was a tray with two glasses of questionable water and a plate of a gray goo.

Behind the first man there was a smaller figure. This one looked a bit agitated.

"Now-" Oscar quickly looked at the speaking man. "-my partner is going to open your cell so we can deliver this dinner. I recommend you to stay on a corner with both hands on the air." The so called 'recommendation' didn't seem to be optional, so Oscar stayed in his corner and raised his hands.

The second guard (he guessed they were guards) opened the door very slowly and cautiously. As if expecting that at any moment Oscar would jump at him like a wild animal. Oscar did not move. They left the food and closed the door, this time faster. Oscar lowered his hands with a relaxed expression.

"Excuse me…" He asked, with a bit of confidence.

"Yes?" Answered the first guard.

"Well, I know you're probably not allowed to talk to prisoners and all, but there must be a mistake. You see, I don't remember committing any crime. Also, I-"

"You are in preventive detention by order of the emperor." Explained the man.

"Preventive detention…? I don't understand." His small spark of confidence had died out and desperation was creeping in. Still, he tried not to show it. "I haven't committed any crime-"

The guard cut him again. "My apologies. I cannot share any more information." His voice seemed to have a hint of pity. Oscar realized that. How miserable did he look.

"Enjoy your dinner. And don't worry too much." Even with a mask on Oscar could tell that his expression softened. The man turned around, ready to leave. This was the right moment.

"Wait. Could I ask one more thing? You see, this morning, when I fell, I got some cuts. It would be really nice if you could maybe, bring some bandages." He tried to sound hurt and exhausted, which wasn't hard.

"I will communicate your petition to my superior. Good night." With that goodbye, the man left and the second guard followed him.

Once their silhouettes were out of sight, the lights on the ceiling turned off. The only lightning that remained came from a few torches on the hallway. A few specs of hope on a stone and concrete night.

That same night Oscar was trying to eat his food. The strange gray puree had some eyes and claws sticking out of it. He tried to eat it, but he gagged every time. The taste was bitter and it had weird lumps.

At least the water seemed to be somewhat okay. He drank on glass and used the other to clean his cuts.

Oscar closed his eyes and tried to remember how he got there.

Slowly, he drifted into a fragile sleep.

Hello, author here. Not much to say. Next chapter will explain some things.