Free Imprisoned by Christine Kersey Page A

already there. I sat down and waited for my “re-education” to begin, skeptical about the whole process. I didn’t need to be brain-washed about the way this world thought—that would never happen—I just needed a way to get out of here and back home.
    Other kids trickled in and at eight o’clock on the dot, a slender woman my mom’s age walked in, a tablet computer in her hand. She sat in one of the chairs in the circle and crossed one fashionably-trousered leg over the other, then looked at each of us. I noticed one chair was still empty. So did she. She looked toward the door and sighed, clearly irritated to have any delay.
    Just then Billy walked in. He went straight to the empty chair and sat down, immediately slouching and not making eye contact with anyone.
    “So nice of you to join us, Mr. Foster.”
    He ignored her and continued staring at the floor.
    This didn’t seem to bother her, so I assumed she was used to it.
    “Let us begin tonight’s session. First, I need all of you to check-in.” She held up her tablet and I noticed that there was a card reader attached to it. One by one, each of us, even Billy, stood and waved our cards in front the reader. “Very good.”
    Once we were settled, she said, “We have two new members of our group tonight. Please welcome Chad Beacon and Morgan Campbell.”
    All eyes rotated between me and the new boy. Several of the kids said hello, but most just stared. Suddenly I remembered the large bruise on my face and almost reached up to touch it, but was able to keep my hands in my lap.
    Deciding not to let myself be intimidated by these kids—after all, they must have done something wrong to be assigned to the counseling group too—I kept my chin up. My gaze flitted from one to the other, stopping on Billy, who was staring at me, a small smirk on his face.
    What did he do anyway? I wondered.
    “My name is Mrs. Reynolds.” She paused. “As always, we begin with the pledge. All arise.”
    As I stood, I noticed most of the others didn’t seem in a hurry to stand and felt a sudden kinship with the group. These kids were like me—they hated the way things were too.
    Mrs. Reynolds began saying the pledge and most of the kids half-heartedly followed along. When we finished, she spoke. “Don’t sit yet. You know that was unacceptable. How many times do I have to tell you? We’ll continue to repeat the pledge until I’m satisfied with your recitation.” She looked at each one of us. “Now let’s try that again.”
    We all spoke as one, this time with a little more enthusiasm. “I pledge to always follow the rules and to take care of my body. I will strive to put the good of all above the desires of one. A healthy me is a healthy world.”
    Mrs. Reynolds smiled. “That was better. You may sit.”
    We all did as instructed.
    Mrs. Reynolds spoke again.  “Now, last night we were discussing how it’s important to follow the rules so that society can keep order. Morgan, Chad, what are your thoughts on following the laws that society has put in place?”
    “I think they suck,” Chad said. Everyone laughed but Mrs. Reynolds did not look amused.
    “Perhaps you’re not familiar with the rules of this group, Mr. Beacon,” she said. “Outbursts like that will cause you to forfeit two meals.” She smiled. “Which two would you like to forfeit?”
    Chad’s face blanched and everyone got quiet. He swallowed and I could see his Adams apple move. “I guess breakfast?”
    She typed something into her tablet computer. “Breakfast it is.” She glanced at him. “Two days in a row.” She set her tablet down on her lap and turned to me. “What about you, Morgan?”
    “Me?” Fear trickled down my spine like sweat after a vigorous workout.
    “Yes. What are your thoughts on the importance of rules in society?”
    Her eyes locked on me and I wasn’t able to look away. Afraid I would say the wrong thing and be punished, I hesitated.
    “Speak up,” she said.
    I