or stopped Billy before he left the musi. The dark, yet always indifferent gaze proposed a darkness in his heart.

  -We o talk, now that we're part of a group. I'll show you the ins and outs of this correal facility. Please, just pay attention. I've been here for five years—first in the under 10s and then in the over 10s. This correal facility is up to 15 years old, and they transfer you to another one. Generally, there aren't many problems, but Superinte Charles is a first-rate maniputor. It's better if you follow the protocols and don't respond to the guards if you want to get out of here, - or said.

  -So, what do I have to do? - Billy asked.

  -First, Pablo is a top-notch liar. He's the superinte's snitd only looks out for his is. He's usually friendly, funny, and ho, but he tells everything he knows and acts in his favor. That's how they get bes—dies, magazines, and other things, - or said.

  Pablo, a snitch! It 't be true.

  -So, what should I do? - Billy asked.

  -I have no idea, but the story is that you're a snitch. Pablo himself has made sure of it, along with Austin's gang. They're unhappy with Dog Fad Austin being transferred to Arizona. There was a fight between Chief of Guards James Johnson, who accused Superinte Charles of corruption, but everything remains the same, - or said.

  -A snitch. Does that mean everyone in jail hates me? - Billy said.

  -Only the gangs, but nobody will defend you. You have two options—rebel against those targeting you or break the system, - or said.

  The blond, fluffy-haired boy with a cold, no... defeated look, opehe exit door, and the whispers sted as long as they could. The first thing Billy thought was how stupid kids could be, unaware of social reality, ag without thinking about the sequences, and likely to end up in a mistake.

  Dinner passed, aime arrived—a room with beds. Looks were again on Billy. Being singled out caused some disfort, especially when sleeping with a group of people who could harm you. Billy couldn't close his eyes a uneasy. The first day passed without problems. He woke up somewhat sleepy, but nothing a cold shower couldn't fix. - I'll sleep for a while in the musi, - Billy told himself.

  The days passed quickly, and Friday arrived, one day before the pedagogical outing. Billy washed his hands and saw a group of four dark-skinned kids arrive; he didn't know who they were.

  -They need you at the superinte's office, - the young dark-skinned boy said.

  -Sure, - Billy said, trying to leave the bathroom but was stopped.

  -We know you, Carson. I hope you know that your life will be hell for the few months, - the dark-skinned boy said, leaving with the kids who had apanied him. The problem always starts with a threat, followed by jokes here and there until it reaches a point where it bees unbearable. These were or's teags, who had seen many simir cases.

  -sider telling the truth, - Billy said to himself.

  He ran to the third floor; there was James Johnson. He signaled a need, but James turned his back; he was talking to what seemed to be anuard. Billy didn't see his hat was usually dispyed on the uniform, but a kno the door was enough.

  -Mr. James, - Billy said.

  -What's going on, kid? - James questiohis was the young man who had beeen up.

  -I o talk to you about something important. we talk in private? - Billy asked.

  -Of course. Do you have something important to say? - James said.

  Billy took a breath, with strength in his lungs; he felt defenseless, due to his age, incapacity, and his way of being, his way of seeing things. He would trust authority, as he should, a person within the system.

  -I've got it; the funing of the correal facility is rotten to the core. Superinte Charles uses the kids to cause problems and ends up extending their sentences in the correal facility. It is said that he submits false reports about is that didn't happen, bming people to gain an advantage. Once he achieves it, he receives money from the state for his tributions. Wheuatios out of trol, he trahem to either Nevada or Arizona. He's someone who 't be sidered a good direr. James, please solve the problems this correal facility is fag, - Billy said.

  Taking a breath and trying to judge whether he did the right thing or not, does it even matter what's right in societies, or is it just an image we create to feel relieved in this world?

  -I'll look into it, kid, - James said, with hings to think about and a goal, which was to unmask Superinte Charles. But to James, beyond g about Billy's situation, his main was sidelining the superinte. Like a game of ignorahe future was headed in different dires.

  Now, he just o talk to Superinte Charles.

  -I see you've arrived, - Charles said.

  -Yes, sir, - Billy said.

  Somewhat unfortable, his heart ounding. The office was very , everything in its pce. The filing ets were behind Charles, and now Billy could see that Charles's friendly appearance was just a facade. Like an unmasked vilin, Billy began to notice signs of pt in Charles's gestures. Eveone of his voice made him uneasy.

  -Look, kid, I've got some soda. Do you want some? - Charles said.

  -No, thank you, sir, - Billy said, pletely distrusting the superinte's goodwill. Charles showed no pint about what was happening and just tinued with what he po do.

  -How are you? You've been in the ic for seven days; you must feel somewhat unwell, -Charles said, with his subtle gestures only meant to intimidate the boy. He would crumble quickly, and it would save a lot of trouble.

  -Well, here I have a written statement where you suggest that the problem was just a misuanding and won't happen again, - Charles said. He spoke so calmly that it caused even more disfort for Billy.

  -I won't sign it, sir, nor do I agree with it. I'll leave, - Billy said.

  -Enjoy your stay at Twin Towers. When you feel more willing, you e back at any time, -Superinte Charles said. ends silent war has only just begun, and it's unclear how those involved will read what as will be taken.

  ...