My Secret, My Bully, My Mates by Miss L

Warmth.

Softness.

Safety.

That’s what I feel right now. I recognize the smells here, even before my brain and body fully wake-up. I’m home, I can feel it in every fiber of my being. A smile creeps across my face as I start to blink my eyes open and take in my surroundings.

“SKYLAR!” A scream from somewhere in the room brings me out of my safe bubble and I am plunged back into that dark dank cell. Was I dreaming? Is my mind starting to play tricks on me to make me feel safe? “SKYLAR! HELP! HELP ME!”

I shot up from where I was laying, looking to my left for Jena. But she’s not there, a door is there. No, Jena is chained up to my left. What the f*ck is going on?

SKYLAR! PLEASE, HELP ME!”

I shake my head, I’ll figure it out later, Jena needs me first. I swivel my head to the right and see her thrashing in a bed a couple feet from me. A bed. We never had beds. The white comforter is on the floor and she is tangled in the sheets to the point of strangulation. I shut my analyzing brain down and ran to her.

I grab her by the shoulders so she doesn’t hit me in her quest to get free of her nightmare.

your eyes.” More thrashing and whimpering. “JENA,

and Doc Sylvia, Osiston and Lillian are there. Jena jumps back more, receding into the spot where her headboard meets with the

in her dream. “We. Are. Safe. Do you hear me? We are

worse the longer we are out of that prison.” I don’t look behind me, but the question is aimed at the people standing, waiting

to get her to tell you what is real. It will help her brain to start to accept that she is free. I don’t even know if she can hear me right now.” Doc Sylvia says from the door. “Five things that she can see. Four things she can feel. Three things she can hear. Two things she can smell. And One thing she can taste. It’s a grounding technique

taking my focus off of Jena. “Hey, Jena.” My voice is soft, but not placating, she has always hated that. “Look at me, we are going to get through this, but you have to let us help you. Nod

I know she is

me five things you can

trapped bunny. “I see you, right

“Good, what else?”

my legs. I see the people at the door with Doc Sylvia, I don’t remember names though.” She gives

bed, your’s maybe and a desk in the

me four things

real. “I feel the soft bed and pillows. I feel the warm air

She’s starting to look more alive. There is color to her cheeks and her eyes are

the room. Where are we? I hear lots of voices and silverware

get distracted