The choice

She walked out with Rex without a glance at me or a care for my condition, Emma rushed towards me, Ginger watched me waiting to see if I gave up or if I was able to meet her highest expectations.

I stood still, panting, my lungs burning from screaming in pain. My muscles were still shaking from the electric current, and my teeth were chattering spasmodically.

Emma approached me, her face full of compassion, but Ginger remained at a distance, watching my reaction with clinical curiosity. Emma gently took me by the shoulders, helping me straighten up, and I felt a wave of nausea overwhelm me.

Emma removed the electrodes, washed me, she said to me.

• Do you want me to tell them you're giving up?

Anger took hold of me,

• I will never let that bitch break me, I will be equal to the agency.

Ginger wordlessly placed her hand fleetingly on my shoulder in approval, her gesture a mark of respect, a sign that I had managed to overcome the pain and stay standing.

Emma was still supporting me, her gaze filled with compassion, but also pride. She knew that I had reached a milestone, that I had proven my determination and my ability to endure suffering.

• you are crazier than me, she is in good shape especially since she unleashes herself if we don't give up.

I took a deep breath, feeling the air enter my lungs, and exhaled slowly, trying to calm my nerves and refocus myself.