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Sleeping In
As soon as the lights came on Laura woke up. She wasn't sure of the date or time, but her internal calendar said it had been three weeks since they had been released from quarantine. She and Cathy had been separated several times, but last night had found them in the same room again, along with two others. The four of them had talked for a while before lights out the night before.
Immediately she got up and began folding the bedding. The other women were doing the same but Cathy remained in bed asleep. Concerned, Laura went over to her as soon as she was finished. "Cathy, get up! A Warden will be here any minute." Laura shook her shoulder.
"I'm awake. Leave me alone. I don't care who's coming, I want to go back to sleep." Laura couldn't believe what she was hearing. Cathy had been the one who always told her rules here were paramount and never to be violated. There was no sleeping in. "Come on! You don't have much time, you've got to get up." Laura pleaded with her. She had no idea what would happen if they found Cathy still in bed but it had to be serious. She looked over at the other two women but they were already taking positions against the rear wall.
Too late she heard the corridor door open and the familiar sound of the bedding cart. Laura hesitated only a moment before joining the others against the back wall. Cathy didn't move under her blanket. Within moments the Warden was in front of their door. At first he said nothing, only staring at the blanket and Cathy's head. The woman with the bedding cart started to reach in but he stopped her with an outstretched hand. Laura could see her back up to stand next to the cart.
"Is there a reason you are still in bed?" he asked. Inwardly Laura cringed at the flat emotionless tone in his voice. She wanted to plead for leniency for Cathy but knew it would serve no purpose other than to get her in trouble too. She kept silent and held her position, as did the others.
"I don't want to get up. I'm tired. Master lets me sleep in when I want." Cathy turned away from him as she finished and pulled the blanket over her head. Laura was horrified. Was she crazy?
"I see," was all he said in response. He gestured toward the rest of the bedding. The woman with the cart reached through the bars and picked it up. They moved to the next cell.
Laura had no opportunity to speak to Cathy. Two more wardens came to the door almost immediately. Both looked down at Cathy but said nothing. One looked over to Laura and the others. "The three of you stand and line up in front of the door."
The rest was the standard procedure. Each was taken out of the cell and cuffed to a long chain. Laura was the last to leave. As they were led down the corridor she looked back to see Cathy still on the floor. For the moment it appeared she was going to be ignored, but Laura didn't believe it would last.
The day was routine. It began with breakfast in the dining room, then showers followed by an inspection, leading into the classes. There was a break for lunch, more classes, and some cleaning duties afterward. Not once did she see Cathy, an ominous sign. At the end of the day they were taken back in small groups to the dormitory cells. Usually the company changed every day but this time Laura found herself back with the two women from last night. They were not taken to the dining room for supper so Laura figured they would eat in the cell.
A single warden was in charge of the three of them. Chained together they were easy for him to handle. As he led them into the dorm area Laura wondered if she would see Cathy again. Her curiosity was answered in seconds as they stopped at a cell. Inside Laura could see Cathy, standing in the middle of the floor. Laura's eyes went wide in surprise as she saw what had happened.
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