24. Cal

The third full moon has landed. For once I have my emotions in check. I’ve been drinking that vile tea since the lights came on for breakfast. I’m not being locked up again.

“Looks like you’re afraid of not controlling yourself Cal,” Vera purred, taking a seat opposite me. I grimaced and placed the half-empty cup back on the table. She sat, passing me a bowl of porridge and dried fruit she’d decided to fetch me.

I didn’t ask for it.

When I didn’t answer, she batted her eyelashes and topped up her flirting with, "Wouldn't have thought that was an issue for you."

"Thank you for the food." Is the best reply I can muster.

I’ll never eat a fucking sultana again after this winter. They’re never-ending down here. I want fresh fish, caught by my own hand but too much of that thinking will leave me frustrated. Tonight I am calm. Placid. In control.

“Hey, you okay, seem a bit out of it over there?” Vera smiles, placing her small hand on top of mine. I try not to flinch away, I still need her