Dreams are for the Dead

'Oh angel, don't worry it won't hurt.' Joth said. The doctor slid the tray closer to the table I was strapped to. "You're being very brave, maybe I'll reward you later." He crooned. The doctor flicked the syringe he was holding a few times before inserting the large needle into my flesh. I cried out from the pain and slipped into unconsciousness.

I woke up, breathing hard. I glanced over to see William still asleep. Good. That means I wasn't screaming. I studied him for a moment. He had fallen asleep sitting up on his bed with his back against the door. Presumably so he would wake up if he felt someone trying to come in. I sat up and stretched. It was just another nightmare. Nothing to freak out about... I mused. I got out of bed and grabbed my towel and some clothes off the dresser.

Walking into the bathroom, I started my shower and left the door cracked open. I don't want that fool forcing it open again. I doubt he'll come in while I'm showering. Once the water was warm enough, I stripped down, removed my bandages, and stepped in. My whole body ached so I leaned forward with my forehead against the wall and let the hot water work its way into my muscles. I sighed, closing my eyes and enjoying the feeling. After what felt like forever, I got out and dried off, changing quickly. Walking out, I found William awake and lounging on his bed. There was a plate of eggs and bacon next to him. My stomach grumbled at the sight of it. I realized I hadn't eaten anything since the day before yesterday. He held the plate out to me and I took it tentatively, sniffing for anything out of the ordinary.

"Calm down I made it myself." I narrowed my eyes at him, still sniffing the plate. "I'd be out of a job if I poisoned you. It's safe." He held out a fork.

My hunger got the best of me and I stole it and dug in, shoveling the warm food into my mouth as fast as I could eat it. As I inhaled my food, it got caught in my throat and I started coughing, putting the plate down on the dresser.

"Don't eat so fast, you dumbass!" He shouted. I could barely hear him over my coughing. I'm sure whatever he said was unimportant. I knew it was poisoned. I thought sarcastically. This is how I die. Nothing cool. Just a throat full of eggs. William handed me a glass of water and I gulped it down gratefully.

"Are you good?" He asked with a chuckle. I nodded, embarrassed. "Ok awesome. Listen I need to go down to the administration room today and the distribution room. So, guess who has to go with me?" Looking at him glumly, I pointed at myself and he nodded. I groaned audibly making him chuckle harder.

"Are you finished eating?" He asked reaching for the plate. I swiped it from the dresser and ran to my bed, jumping on it and huddling in the corner. I continued to shove the food in my mouth until the plate was completely clean. Watching me, William burst out laughing.

"What are you? An animal? Your cheeks are stuffed like a chipmunk." He cried out between giggles. I swallowed and stuck out my tongue. I hate you.

The administration and distribution rooms were both on the same floor, all the way on the other side of the complex. My bedroom happened to be on the top floor so Joth and the Director could keep an eye on me.

Unfortunately, the rooms we needed to go to were on the first floor. That meant a shit ton of stairs. I trudged behind William, annoyed that I had to make such a long trip with my aching limbs. And he was whistling! Cheerfully! I hated it. He turned to look back at me.

"Come on kid catch up!" He said with a wide smile. I rolled my eyes.

"I'm not a kid." I muttered.

"Well then how old are you?" He asked.

"I'm 22."

He slowed his pace to walk next to me.

"How long have you lived in this compound?"

I shrugged. "Since they found me wandering in the woods." I said. He studied my face for a moment.

"How old were you when they found you?"

I pondered this question for a moment. Any time I thought back to it, an immense fog engulfed the memories from my early childhood. I had been under Joth's care since I was 4 or 5. As a matter of fact, it was Joth that found me out there. Or so he said.

"4. I was 4... I think." I could see his shocked expression from the corner of my eye. It was extremely rare to find anyone compound-less. People had been in safe havens for close to 100 years

The war of the factions had started over 200 years ago around 2015. Everything had failed after the riots. Businesses went under, electric companies shut the water and power off for everyone. Not just in the U.S either. It happened around the world. Almost like the rebellion leaders had planned everything simultaneously. Although, any rumors that they had, were mere speculation.

About 50 years into that war, aptly named the Great Beginning, people were homeless, most of their relatives dead, and they didn't have any food. So, to ensure the continuation and survival of mankind, the compounds were created. Large scale generators were built for each compound and running water was redirected to each as such. This system of sustained living was the first and only kind of safe haven in the Great Beginning Era.

50 years after these havens were established, they were taken over by the different faction leaders and the land was divided up accordingly. This peace treaty was called the First Signing. After that, people stopped randomly appearing at the doors of the compounds. As the war raged on, people found a new normal for themselves. Everyone had their own compound and their new lives and families. Even the bandits along the borders traveled in large packs and had their own camps. Therefore, I could understand his shock.

Finding a child in the woods after all that time and development was practically unheard of. Yet here I was, 'lucky' as Joth used to say. What luck I had indeed.

We reached the first stairwell and I went down first. I know this compound better than anyone else. I spent so much time running away from Joth... I shook the thoughts from my head, banishing them in front of William. When we finally reached the first level, he opened the door for me and I smacked face first into the devil himself.