Blood and Paper Skin
By Rami Ungar
Part Two
At some point , Grey had drifted off into a fitful sleep . When he awoke , the lockup was even warmer than before . So warm , in fact , it was practically boiling . Quickly , he shed his shirt , pants , shoes and socks . Then he noticed a new Lunchables and bottle of water at his feet , the used ones gone . He sat down , drank some water , and called out . “ Hey , you all up ?”
No one responded . Grey ’ s heart started thudding against his ribcage . “ Hey !” he repeated , raising his voice . “ You all up ?”
Again , no one responded . Sweat that had nothing to do with the heat broke out on Grey ’ s forehead . Old Man couldn ’ t have killed them all , could he ? He couldn ’ t be that bloodthirsty ! And if he was , why did he leave one of them behind ? And why Grey ? Just to save for later , like a spider with a snack ? Or —?
A small voice from the next cell over startled him from his thoughts . “ Nikki ’ s gone .”
77