Queen.
silly little tragedy
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There's a tight regimen to abide by in Orchardwood. You're expected to know this well in advance. Whether you skimmed the pamphlet, crumpled it up to feed to your trashcan, or never had one at all, you need to know this. Stepping out of the metaphorical line will weigh down a guillotine on your unsuspecting neck.
This humble little establishment has been around since the 1940's, birthed in the heart of Plains, Kansas. Right on the, you guessed it, Kansas plains. The only thing less remarkable than the scenery -or lack thereof- is the food. The gate lining the perimeter of Orchardwood is chain-link, but strong and high. It swoops inward at the top like those in prison yards. It's far enough away from the main buildings not to be seen. They don't want it to feel like a prison, too.
The kids will spend most of their day learning discipline by picking produce from the Orchards. It's hours work, and disciplinarians are always on standby in case of slackers. Said disciplinarians come and go, swapping out with new faces enough times to always keep you guessing. There's never a sense of comfort in that aspect. The only face you'll see regularly is that of James Hawthorne, who takes on the position of head regulation master. His stance emanates intimidation, and his voice rattles the surface of your skin. He takes no shit, and it's damn near fun for him to see someone try anything.
The mess hall is where the youths get their breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you don't go, you don't eat. There are no snacks. You can't take any food out of the mess hall. It's their clever way to get you to sit down and hear the daily lectures streaming from the grainy projection image cast on the far west wall. The sound bellows throughout from aged speakers in the roof. There's little disciplinary regulation here aside from the occasional pointed 'shhh' from a jaded lunch lady, so conversation is common.
The sleeping area is strikingly barren, decorated by nothing more than chipping paint and office grey tones. The sheets smell like cheap detergent, and the material is reminiscent of straw. They squeak and squaw with each movement of your body, just wide enough to support one body. The beds are approximately five feet apparent, headboards pressed against the walls so that the middle forms a daunting empty space. The floor is cold under your toes, and going without socks will have you regretting learning to walk. There's one bathroom per sleeping building; one for the boys, and one for the girls. Even breathing a word about exchanging visits among the opposite gender will get you fried.
You're permitted to have an hour and a half to yourself a day. This is generally right after dinner, and before bed time. Around 6:30 to 8. Despite it sounding like a thrust toward freedom, you're still under the delightfully watchful eye of stoic disciplinarians from afar. Obviously, your opportunities for enjoyment are limited. Phones are confiscated, and internet is a thing to be left behind. You can however pick up some books at the dingy little library by the mess hall to read.
If you happen to cross a disciplinarian in a negative way, well, the scary thing is that it's within their each individual powers to select and exercise punishment. Although being given an outline of acceptable action, they don't always listen. And it isn't often reported.
There's a storm shelter near the edge of the orchard, as Kansas is infamous for its frequent plague of tornados. This is the least guarded area. Often, youths slip off to the side of this building to climb atop its roof and relax, the canopy of the nearest tree shielding them completely. Cigarette buds and blunts litter the roof.
Upon entering, your items will be sifted through. You'll be able to select only some outfits for yourself. They confiscate jewelry, electronics, and more obvious things like alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Only mandatory prescriptions can be brought in. You'll have a few minutes to part with your parents and say your goodbyes; if they brought you all the way out here, that is.
The first activity you'll be directed to do is meet in "The Circle". A sphere setup of chairs outside with Hawthorne in the center. He'll be delivering the opening lecture explaining everything you need to know, why you deserve to be here, and how he wants to see your changes.
Good luck.
Orchardwood Conservatoire