Her silent wars

“The Only Cell”

The Only Cell was a place of punishment for offenders and rule-breakers. It was a cramped, dark space where one had to squat for three days straight, with only the head poking out through a narrow hole made for the neck. Anyone sent there either died of starvation or couldn’t walk for weeks afterward.

Just the thought of it sent shivers down Mabel’s spine as she stood before the Madame.

“It’s all your fault, you black monkey! I hate you!” screamed the blonde girl Mabel had beaten earlier, her voice dripping with hatred.

The Madame didn’t even flinch. She massaged her forehead calmly, her expression unreadable. “Make hers a week,” she said coolly. “And take them from my office — now.”

The guards dragged the girl away, her screams echoing down the hallway. Then the Madame turned to Mabel.

“Now, you,” she said softly but firmly, “you’d better make sure this task works out perfectly. If not, you’ll spend the rest of your days in the Only Cell.”

Mabel swallowed hard. The threat hung in the air like poison.

“Wipe those tears,” the Madame continued. “You’re a big girl. I’m sure you’ve already been trained for this.”

Mabel’s voice trembled. “But, ma’am… I was only trained. I don’t want to—”

“Shut up!” Job Bob thundered, cutting her off. “You dare talk back to Madame?”

The Madame raised her hand slightly, and Job Bob fell silent.

“It’s alright,” she said. “Take her away and get her prepared. She leaves in three days. And, hey—don’t harm her. She needs to be strong for this.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Job Bob nodded, his grip firm as he seized Mabel’s arm. “Come with me.”

Mabel said nothing as she was led out of the room, her heart pounding. The echo of the Madame’s final words followed her like a shadow.