It was late afternoon by the time Austin, Michael, and the others finished working. The two boys dropped off their half-filled backpacks in a shed behind the dining hall and then took off quickly for the gates.
They were surprised when a guard stopped them on their way out. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked.
“We need to get medicine for my mom,” said Austin.
Michael added, “She’s really sick and the clinic doesn’t have what she needs.”
“I’m sure the staff at the clinic is taking very good care of your mother,” said the guard.
Austin shook his head angily. “They’re not. And it’s not really any of your business. Just open the gate, please.”
“Nobody leaves.”
“Are you kidding?” asked Austin.
“Nobody leaves?” asked Michael. “Is this place a shelter or a prison?”
“It’s not a prison,” said the guard. “But we’re doing this for your protection. Plus, all residents must pay off their debts. Mr. Forrester has provided you with food and shelter, and you’ve agreed to do labor in exchange. You can’t leave until you repay what you owe him.”
“What?” sputtered Austin. “I’d say I’ve done plenty of work already—more than enough to make up for the food I’ve eaten.”
“Then when life outside camp becomes safe again, you’ll be free to leave.”
“Come on.” Austin was pleading now. “My mom is really sick. We need to find the medicine she needs. The clinic here doesn’t have it. After we find the medicine we’ll come right back. We promise.”
“No can do,” said the guard. “Like I told you. It’s against orders. And besides, you’ve heard Mr. Forrester. It’s dangerous on the outside. You guys wouldn’t survive long enough to get your mom her medicine.”
“You ignorant bozos don’t really believe Forrester’s horror stories, do you?” asked Michael. “You’re being brainwashed just like everyone else inside this place.”
“Watch yourself, kid.” Another Yellow Jacket stepped toward him.
“Or what?” Michael stood unfazed.
Austin had heard enough. “Let’s go,” he said to Michael. “This is pointless. These people are never going to listen to reason.” He turned and walked away from the gate.
Michael stared down the Yellow Jackets. “Unbelievable,” he said. “If anything bad happens to his mom, it’s on you.” He turned and walked away with Austin.
“So,” Michael said. “What are we going to do now?”
“What else can we do?” Austin stopped and looked at Michael. “We’re going to escape.”