While I couldn’t tell if I’d been entirely asleep before, I knew I had been made fully awake now by a slap over my mouth. I kept still, unsure how to defend myself, unsure if I could. Calluses brushed my lips as the visitor kept contact. I thought it was 96 coming for his final word, so it surprised me when 81’s temperate voice came forward. I almost figured it was someone new.

“Are you here on violent charges?” It didn’t sound accusatory as much as curious, but even that word was too strong for his placid question. It was bordering grim to be asked such a thing by someone who didn’t show a stake in the outcome.

“No,” I answered simply behind his weathered palm. I hoped the pause it took me to find my bearings wasn’t incriminating.

Not a beat later, “Is he?”

A reference to Jay. An ironic consideration about someone who I’d mostly seen in tears. “No.”

81 withdrew.

After a few seconds of retreat, I knew he wouldn’t be able to make it fast enough back to my cot when I was down and defenseless.

“What if I lied?” I asked.

I stopped hearing movement.

“You really aren’t the best at first impressions.” The same voice repeating similar words as before, being as unruffled by my retort as I expected; offering no insight. At least if he got physical, I could parse he’s unsafe. Anxious, I’d know he was worried for his safety. Now, he could have very well had been sleepless and nosy.

Then I heard it, “Some advice. Never say more than what’s asked.” A dip from his light voice into something deeper and severe. A threat, but not from him. A warning recited.

“And if I do?”

“I'm sure you can imagine.”

I’m sure I could.