DESTRESS

So, this is where the cafeteria is.

I stood outside its doors, staring in through the glass trying to get a sense of the people. Everyone seemed very comfortable with each other; talking, laughing and having a good time. The large room was full of the young and old, everyone so lively. This seemed to be more my speed. In our dining room it was always just me, Lana and Will. Most of the time we didn’t engage in conversation; just eating quietly, sitting properly.

I have been here for more than two months, and this is the only time I’ve come to the common area.

With all the commotion last night, I thought it would be a good time to show my face. Will explained that this part of the compound was for the people. It was like segregating the rich from the poor.

I've never been considered a rich person, so this whole thing was odd to me.

Here, everyone ate together, lived together… did everything together. It was its own community.

When I walked in, everyone went quiet, staring me dow