Season V
Day I
"It Could Be Worse"
Jack shivers as his friend circles the room, checking behind each shelf as if he's done this a hundred times before. In theory, no one should be here. The game started barely an hour ago and theirs was the first cell block to be released. The speed at which the two boys raced through the hallways to get here should be enough of a reassurance.
Still, Jack can't help but squeeze himself just a little bit further between the two cabinets. "Look!"
"Where?" Jack squeaks, eyes wide as he tries to find James in the long room. It doesn't take long, the dark-haired boy hasn't strayed more than a couple meters away. The fear that had gripped Jack moments ago dissolves as he watches his friend's whole top half disappear inside one of the nearby boxes.
"It's…uh…" James starts between grunts. He still hasn't emerged from the box, but Jack quickly finds the courage to head over to help. He pulls as hard as he can on James' feet, eventually depositing him back onto the floor. No wonder he couldn't get himself out, both hands are held tightly to a brown paper-wrapped package.
Jack tilts his head as they both stare. "What is it?"
"It looks like it's from a butcher shop," James says excitedly. "Doesn't it?"
Jack brown paper might be similar, but there's no way this is meat unless it's the weirdest cut in existence. Besides, there are little tufts of brown hairs coming out one end. Jack prefers his food without the fur. "No."
"Oh."
Jack sighs and places a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Well, open it."
James smiles widely and does just that, ripping into the paper with excitement. His eagerness quickly fades to quiet confusion as he pulls a series of brushes out by their tufts. "I was right, it's… uh…"
"Paint brushes?" Jack chuckles.
His friend nods excitedly. "Exactly!"
Loud footsteps from the hallway send the pair scrambling back towards the cabinets. Jack is first to make it there, but James manages to squeeze in almost on top of him. He didn't hear another cell block get released, but as a second set of footsteps passes by he wonders if he missed it. No one back there seemed so eager to play, well no one but the one who did.
Jack shivers as he remembers the dark-haired girl and attempts to squeeze even further into his hiding spot. He feels his friend grab hold of the top of his arm, and almost smiles when the paint brushes tickle his skin. Of course he still has them. Jack has to stifle a laugh, but his small smile makes James' return easily.
As horrible as this place has already proved to be, James is one thing he's grateful for. They might be trapped. They might be waiting for someone who's more willing to play this game than they are. They might never get to show James around Peterborough or get to explore Oshawa with his new friend.
But at least he's not here alone. He rests his head on James' shoulder and closes his eyes as the footsteps start to fade. It could be worse.