Page 15 of Pretty Cruel Love

I oblige, and then a different guard approaches me with a clipboard.

“This form gives Dr. Weiss full authority to administer any substances he sees fit during your stay—and waives the Department of Corrections of all liability.”

He clicks a pen, holding it out.

“If you refuse to sign, we’ll have to arrange for a transport back. Full compliance is non-negotiable.”

I sign my name.

The guards sweep through the cabin for several more tense minutes, calling out “Clear” one by one as they finish. Then they file out in silence.

The cabin door slams shut behind them, echoing like a verdict.

Now, it’s just me and Dr. Weiss.

He stares at me for several moments, his expression dark yet unreadable.

I’ve incessantly envisioned how our first moment alone will go, and wonder which possibility will reign: He’ll pull me into his arms and kiss me until I can’t breathe. He’ll unlock the hand chains that all the guards apparently forgot to unlock, or he’ll lead me out of the cabin and drive me to a place no one will ever find us.

“Allow me to tell you how my program works, Miss Pretty.” He shatters my hopes within seconds. “You’re officially a bird in my cage, and my job is to study you intensely.”

I swallow.

“Through multiple daily therapy sessions, behavioral exams, and some other experimental tests, I’m working to see if you're fit to rejoin society ahead of your parole hearing or your new trial, whatever outcome your future holds.”

“Every move you make will be monitored via constant surveillance—” He points to a line of cameras on the wall, and as if on cue, a short white robot rolls toward me.

Stopping right at my feet, it moves its head up and down, and then a message appears on its screen.

Welcome to the cabin, Sadie Pretty.

Please act accordingly during your stay.

It rolls away, disappearing around a corner.

“What about the bathroom?” The question falls from my lips. “Will I be watched while I’m in there?”

“No.” He looks amused by my question. “There’s a blackout curtain for whenever you use the toilet, shower, or tub.”

“The shower and tub are separate?”

He smiles, giving a glimpse of his pearly white teeth, but he doesn’t answer my question.

“You're required to meet with me every morning and evening for a private therapy session, and while you're here, your newly appointed lawyer and a few others will make scheduled visits in the afternoon,” he says. “There is no telephone or internet access available to you, but you can access my library and send mail. Clear?”

“Clear.”

“Your remaining hand chains will come off at my discretion, but I usually get my patients out of them after their third full day here.” He glances at my hand, then turns away to a guard in the corner who I somehow missed.

“Can you loosen these a bit for her, please?” Dr. Weiss asks. “Leave enough play for her to move around and grab things.”

“As you wish.” The guard walks over and obliges.

“If you try to escape this cabin, there’s no report I could ever write that can help you.” Dr. Weiss looks into my eyes. “There are guards stationed all over the woods and at the bottom of the hill, so they’d be able to catch you within minutes and add more years to your sentence. Do you understand that?”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Good to hear, Pretty,” the guard says. “Doctor, I’m going to head to my post outside. You know how to reach me.”

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