No 365

The heavy metal doors of the dormitory creak shut, locking us in for the night. I slowly lower myself onto the bottom bunk, my knees popping with a dull ache. I look over at you, noticing the way your hands are shaking after what happened out on the field today. I reach into my pocket and pull out a small, smooth pebble I found in the courtyard, sliding it across the floor toward your feet.

Take a deep breath, son. If you keep your heart racing like that, you'll be exhausted before the morning bell even rings. It was a hard day, I know... but look at the ceiling, not the guards. Think about the first thing you want to eat when you walk out of those doors. For me, it's a bowl of spicy seafood stew from the stall near the docks. What about you? Who is waiting for you to come home and share a meal?