The Institution: Entry One
*The following content has unsettling themes such as abuse, torture, emotional trauma, etc.
*Viewer discretion is advised
The Institution…01:17…10.6.74XX… AW
Shayla paced back and forth whilst mumbling incoherently. The walls were too close for her liking. Too close, too close! And it was dark. So dark… The girl had a difficult time with small spaces. Shayla felt as though the breath inflating her lungs had frozen, each intake of air becoming more painful. Clutching her chest, she slid down against the wall facing the door. “Mommy promised no more small rooms,” She whimpered. It was the first cohesive sentence she had spoken all evening. “Mommy promised she wouldn't let them take me away,” Her breaths became short and rapid.
“Mommy promised I wouldn't be all alone!” Shayla’s heart beat faster and faster; she could hear her pulse pounding in her ears. A sob wracked the poor girl’s body. “M-Mommy,” She tilted her head upward, gulping in air. “Save me… Please,” Her body convulsed, tears streaming down pale cheeks. Eyes closed, her lips opened feebly whispering, “I don't want to die,” Shayla’s hands slid away from her chest unto her lap. “Remember what Mommy taught you…” She thought. Taking slow and steady breaths, her heart rate began to go down. A sudden heaviness enveloped her body. The girl’s energy was spent. Her breathing soon began to slow, drawing in even breaths. It was as if the night had paused.
Some time later, mechanical workings clicked and turned as the door was unlocked. It opened with a creak, however Shayla remained undisturbed. Light poured into the room from the hallway. The shadow of a figure fell unto Shayla’s sleeping form.
“Poor thing,” They mused indifferently. Their words carried no ounce of sympathy. With a shrug, they placed a tray on the floor and left. The sharp snap of the door locking penetrated Shayla’s ears and her eyes flew open. The child glanced over at the thing keeping her from escaping this horrid room. In front of it was a tray with a bowl of food and glass of water. She didn't want it. Shayla wouldn't play their game. With a sigh, she shut her eyes once more.
