• I heard my prison door open and close behind me. I didn't turn to see who had come in; I didn't care. I continued to stare dejectedly out my only window at the cloud covered sky above and the angry waves below. They beat so fiercely against the foundation of the building, it was as if they were trying to break me out. The calm, young voice behind me was startling and unexpected. I turned to see that Nicko had come into my jail cell when I thought it would've been his father or one of his cronies.

    "I thought you could use some company," he said.

    "Doesn't make a difference to me."

    He frowned at my obvious dislike for him, a little crease forming between his eyebrows.

    "I brought your lunch," he offered, "in case you were hungry."

    My eyes only left his to look at the food in his hands. With a shock, I saw the steak and mashed potatoes my captors usually kept for themselves. Under his arm was a huge jug of crystal clear water. My throat burned.

    "Why did you bring me this?" I asked, tearing my eyes away from the mouthwatering food to measure his expression.

    He blushed. "Did you not want steak? I'm sorry. I should've asked first. I just assumed after the crap my dad's been feeding you-"

    "Stop" I cut him off. "I meant why are you being so nice to me?"

    His blush deepened. "I-well, I-I mean-it-but-" he sighed. "Just because He wants you to be miserable doesn't mean I do too." He set his mouth in a hard line, indicating he would say no more. I slowly walked towards him, never breaking eye contact. I placed my hands over his on each side of the plate.

    "Thank you," I murmured. He seemed transfixed. I pulled the plate away and went to sit by my window. I heard him place the water jug on the floor then leave. That was not the last time Nicko would visit me.