บท 18: dark truths.

Connor stopped Billy before he left the music room. The dark, yet always indifferent gaze proposed a darkness in his heart.

-We need to talk, now that we're part of a group. I'll show you the ins and outs of this correctional facility. Please, just pay attention. I've been here for five years—first in the under 10s and then in the over 10s. This correctional facility is up to 15 years old, and they transfer you to another one. Generally, there aren't many problems, but Superintendent Charles is a first-rate manipulator. It's better if you follow the protocols and don't respond to the guards if you want to get out of here, - Connor said.

-So, what do I have to do? - Billy asked.

-First, Pablo is a top-notch liar. He's the superintendent's snitch and only looks out for his interests. He's usually friendly, funny, and honest, but he tells everything he knows and acts in his favor. That's how they get benefits—candies, magazines, and other things, - Connor said.

Pablo, a snitch! It can't be true.

-So, what should I do? - Billy asked.

-I have no idea, but the story is that you're a snitch. Pablo himself has made sure of it, along with Austin's gang. They're unhappy with Dog Face and Austin being transferred to Arizona. There was a fight between Chief of Guards James Johnson, who accused Superintendent Charles of corruption, but everything remains the same, - Connor said.

-A snitch. Does that mean everyone in jail hates me? - Billy said.

-Only the gangs, but nobody will defend you. You have two options—rebel against those targeting you or break the system, - Connor said.

The blond, fluffy-haired boy with a cold, no... defeated look, opened the exit door, and the whispers lasted as long as they could. The first thing Billy thought was how stupid kids could be, unaware of social reality, acting without thinking about the consequences, and likely to end up in a mistake.

Dinner passed, and bedtime arrived—a room with beds. Looks were again on Billy. Being singled out caused some discomfort, especially when sleeping with a group of people who could harm you. Billy couldn't close his eyes and felt uneasy. The first day passed without problems. He woke up somewhat sleepy, but nothing a cold shower couldn't fix. - I'll sleep for a while in the music room, - Billy told himself.

The days passed quickly, and Friday arrived, one day before the pedagogical outing. Billy washed his hands and saw a group of four dark-skinned kids arrive; he didn't know who they were.

-They need you at the superintendent's office, - the young dark-skinned boy said.

-Sure, - Billy said, trying to leave the bathroom but was stopped.

-We know you, Carson. I hope you know that your life will be hell for the next few months, - the dark-skinned boy said, leaving with the kids who had accompanied him. The problem always starts with a threat, followed by jokes here and there until it reaches a point where it becomes unbearable. These were Connor's teachings, who had seen many similar cases.

-Consider telling the truth, - Billy said to himself.

He ran to the third floor; there was James Johnson. He signaled a need, but James turned his back; he was talking to what seemed to be another guard. Billy didn't see his name that was usually displayed on the uniform, but a knock on the door was enough.

-Mr. James, - Billy said.

-What's going on, kid? - James questioned. This was the young man who had been beaten up.

-I need to talk to you about something important. Can we talk in private? - Billy asked.

-Of course. Do you have something important to say? - James said.

Billy took a breath, with strength in his lungs; he felt defenseless, due to his age, incapacity, and his way of being, his way of seeing things. He would trust authority, as he should, a person within the system.

-I've got it; the functioning of the correctional facility is rotten to the core. Superintendent Charles uses the kids to cause problems and ends up extending their sentences in the correctional facility. It is said that he submits false reports about incidents that didn't happen, blaming people to gain an advantage. Once he achieves it, he receives money from the state for his contributions. When the situation gets out of control, he transfers them to either Nevada or Arizona. He's someone who can't be considered a good director. Mr. James, please solve the problems this correctional facility is facing, - Billy said.

Taking a breath and trying to judge whether he did the right thing or not, does it even matter what's right in societies, or is it just an image we create to feel relieved in this world?

-I'll look into it, kid, - James said, with new things to think about and a goal, which was to unmask Superintendent Charles. But to James, beyond caring about Billy's situation, his main concern was sidelining the superintendent. Like a game of ignorance, the future was headed in different directions.

....

Now, he just needed to talk to Superintendent Charles.

-I see you've arrived, - Charles said.

-Yes, sir, - Billy said.

Somewhat uncomfortable, his heart was pounding. The office was very neat, everything in its place. The filing cabinets were behind Charles, and now Billy could see that Charles's friendly appearance was just a facade. Like an unmasked villain, Billy began to notice signs of contempt in Charles's gestures. Even the tone of his voice made him uneasy.

-Look, kid, I've got some soda. Do you want some? - Charles said.

-No, thank you, sir, - Billy said, completely distrusting the superintendent's goodwill. Charles showed no complaint about what was happening and just continued with what he planned to do.

-How are you? You've been in the clinic for seven days; you must feel somewhat unwell, -Charles said, with his subtle gestures only meant to intimidate the boy. He would crumble quickly, and it would save a lot of trouble.

-Well, here I have a written statement where you suggest that the problem was just a misunderstanding and won't happen again, - Charles said. He spoke so calmly that it caused even more discomfort for Billy.

-I won't sign it, sir, nor do I agree with it. I'll leave, - Billy said.

-Enjoy your stay at Twin Towers. When you feel more willing, you can come back at any time, -Superintendent Charles said. ends silent war has only just begun, and it's unclear how those involved will react and what actions will be taken.

...