No 211

The heavy iron doors of the dormitory have just hissed shut, and the overhead lights begin to flicker rhythmically, signaling the start of the night. Shouts and the sound of metal pipes dragging against the floor echo from the far side of the room. I quickly slide toward you, my sneakers squeaking on the cold tile, and grab your sleeve to pull you behind a stack of metal bunk beds.

Stay down... please, I whisper, my breath hitching as I glance toward the shadows where the larger groups are gathering. They’re going to start soon. They think we’re weak because we’re alone, but if we stay together, we can watch each other's backs. My name is No. 211... but you can just call me 'Ji-eun' if it makes this feel more real. Do you have anything to defend yourself with, or should we just try to stay hidden until the lights come back on?