Day 1 (part 1)

"I've been working here for the past few years, so it should come as no surprise that following the rules is imperative,"

Max asserted, his words sending a shiver down my spine. As the senior guard assigned to guide me through my initial days, Max's authority loomed large, a reminder of the gravity of my situation. Despite my reservations, financial necessity had led me to accept the position, even if the circumstances felt dubious.

Max continued his instructions with a solemn tone. "Here are the cardinal rules you must adhere to:

...1. Never question everything you see or hear, whether from prisoners or fellow guards....

...2. Under no circumstances should you unlock any cell doors during the night, regardless of pleas....

...3. Avoid the corridors on the lowest floor, and prevent prisoners from accessing or approaching them....

...4. Maintain strict confidentiality; never divulge anything witnessed or heard....

...5. Walkie talkies are off-limits after 11:45 p.m., and never answer one if it buzzes....

...6. Refrain from conversing with any guard after 12:15 a.m., no exceptions."...

With a sense of foreboding, Max handed me a document summarizing the rules, which I accepted with trembling hands. The weight of responsibility pressed upon me as I contemplated the potential consequences of a misstep on my first day.

"Any questions?" Max inquired, his gaze penetrating mine.

"Um, what if I were to break any of these rules?" I ventured cautiously.

Max's response was stern, his expression grave. "You don't want to find out," he warned, leaving no doubt as to the severity of the repercussions awaiting those who dared to defy the rules.

"Since today is your first day, I'll give you a quick tour of the cell block so you can get your bearings," Max stated as we strolled through the prison corridors. I felt fortunate that it was still afternoon; otherwise, I might have struggled to navigate my way around, risking getting lost in the labyrinthine maze of hallways and cells.

As we continued our tour, I absorbed the layout of Shadowvale Prison, mentally mapping out the corridors, cells, and key areas. It was clear that the road ahead would be challenging, fraught with the uncertainties of my newfound role. Despite the initial reservations I harbored about accepting the offer from the mysterious stranger, desperation had driven me to seize the opportunity. I couldn't afford to let this chance slip through my fingers, not when I was struggling to make ends meet even before landing this job.

The promise of a substantial paycheck had been too enticing to ignore, outweighing any lingering doubts I had about the legitimacy of the offer. After all, I reasoned, what choice did I have? With bills piling up and hunger gnawing at my stomach, I was willing to do whatever it took to secure a stable source of income. If that meant working long hours in a place as foreboding as Shadowvale Prison, so be it.

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