Power by Theresa Jones

instinctively went to my stomach. It really did feel like I was starving. David held his hand out to me; I accepted the help, remembering how well I did the first time I tried to get out of bed.
    “I can bring you some food, if you would like, Sam and I just finished eating.” I realized then, he wasn’t trying to help me out of bed, just helping me sit up. “Don’t try to stand, you will feel pretty weak for a while.”
    Determined to show him that I was not weak, I tried to stand. I heard myself saying something like, “I’m fine,” knowing that I could very well fall again. But I would not allow myself to be weak. Not now, not after everything that’s happened. I had always had to be strong, and now would not be different. I would master this, just as I have mastered everything else I have ever set my mind to.
    David, realizing my determination, had his hand under my elbow, helping me up, and was saying, “You do not have to push yourself. The first day here is usually a difficult one. Your body will have to adjust.” Why did he feel like he had to discourage me?
    After standing, I pushed his arm away, looked him straight in the eyes and said, “Listen, David, I appreciate your concern, but I already told you, I am just fine.” He looked shocked, but still skeptical. Determined to get my point across I added, “Why are you here anyway? I thought this was my home?” That was probably a little too much, but it was already said, so I kept my face serious and didn’t back down.
    I honestly didn’t want to hurt him. I just needed him to know that I wasn’t some pathetic little girl. His face looked momentarily pained and then his eyes lost the warmth I had become used to seeing there.
    I told myself it didn’t matter though; I was done being someone I wasn’t. Done not saying what I wanted to say, just to prevent an argument. Done just getting by, because everyone else’s feelings were more important than mine.
    His face changed as he said “I understand. You can do things yourself. If you need anything, I will be in the living room. As a courtesy , there is always someone with you when you first come to the Compound.” And he turned around to leave. Before he left the room, he added, “And since you are obviously in no pain, and ‘just fine’ we can begin your training today, rather than waiting a day or two as we usually do.” And then he was gone.
    Sam came up beside me, worming her hand into mine, and asked, “Are you ok, Mom?” I loved that child more than life itself!
    “Oh Sammy girl, I’m ok, just a little tired and grumpy… and hungry! What did y’all eat in there?” With that, she smiled big and wide, flashing her bright teeth.
    “It was so good, Mom. David made all this stuff, like bacon, sausage, pancakes, toast, and eggs! It was so yummy I ate so much my tummy felt like it was gonna explode!” She leaned against the bed giggling then she dragged me into the kitchen to eat some much needed food.
    ***
    I walked into the Hall feeling annoyingly nervous. I had instantly regretted the way I had treated David this morning, but unfortunately for him, I was too stubborn to admit it.
    The journey from my own room to the Hall had seemed very long. We had gone down several hallways, a couple of different elevators, and now, finally arriving in the Hall, we were meandering through it.
    David was walking beside me, leading me to my destination. “I will be your teacher, Allison. Rick will be staying with Sam for now, until she gets comfortable enough with the some of the artists.”
    I looked up at him as he talked to me. I wanted him to look back at me – so I could at least show him I wasn’t angry with him – but he kept his eyes ahead of him, scanning the room. His hand was placed at the small of my back, making sure that I followed him closely.
    “The artists?” I asked, while we continued our journey.
    “‘The artists’ is just a general term. They are the ones who descended