Room 188 was plain, functional, and eerily silent as the girls stepped inside. The walls were a muted shade of gray, and the faint smell of disinfectant lingered in the air. Fluorescent ceiling lights gave off a cold, sterile glow.
To the right stood a tall, three-tiered bunker bed. Without hesitation, Ellena dropped her duffel onto the bottom bunk.
"I'm taking this one," she said cheerfully, stretching her arms.
Norah claimed the middle bunk with a nod. Bella, without a word, climbed the metal steps and took the top.
Across the room on the left was a large built-in cupboard, divided neatly into three equal sections. Each had a metal tag labelled with their names. The girls began unpacking—folding uniforms, stacking essentials, tucking away books and toiletries.
At the far-left corner of the room was a door leading to a compact washroom. Just beside it, slightly tucked into a recess in the wall, stood a single study table with one hard chair, except for a standard SID lamp bolted into the desk.
There were no windows.
Norah was the first to freshen up, stepping out of the washroom wrapped in a towel, cheeks flushed from the cold water.
Bella was just about to take her turn when the door to their room swung open sharply.
Two female sergeants entered, followed closely by a tall, striking woman with a commanding presence. Her high ponytail was as precise as her uniform neatly ironed, boots spotless, posture rigid.
Her eyes scanned the room like searchlights before her voice rang out, calm but iron hard.
"I am Officer Becky Cannor. Along with overseeing your training, I will also be your discipline officer."
Her gaze was sharp and direct. "Any breach of rules or violation of protocol will result in the harshest disciplinary actions."
Then, her eyes locked onto Bella. A brief pause. Something unreadable passed between them, but Becky looked away before it could linger.
"Sergeants," she commanded, "search their belongings."
The sergeants immediately stepped forward, opening every drawer, checking the cupboard, flipping mattresses, inspecting toiletries and personal items with gloved hands.
Bella, Norah, and Ellena stood silently, watching the invasion of their space with tense expressions.
A few minutes passed.
"All clear," one of the sergeants finally reported.
Becky gave a curt nod. Without another word, she turned and exited. The two sergeants followed.
The door clicked shut behind them.
Norah let out a breath she'd been holding. "Well... that was intense."
Ellena shook her head. "No kidding. Officer Becky's terrifying."
Bella gave a small smile, more amused than anxious. "She's just doing her job."
Norah turned to her. "You should go freshen up. We'll head to the dining hall."
Bella waved them off gently. "You two go ahead. I'll catch up in a few minutes."
As her roommates grabbed their maps and keys and left, Bella finally stepped into the washroom, closing the door behind her. For the first time all day, she was alone. The sound of running water filled the silence, but her mind wasn't quiet. She stared at herself in the mirror and whisper
"One year."