"It's so nice to be on break from uni," Clarice sighed, stretching her arms above her head. "Although being a law student and all, you don't have much of a break do you, huh Dee?"
"It is not that bad," Desiree, responded with a shrug. "It's mainly just revision so I don't forget anything."
"True, but I still prefer being able to go through my holidays without looking at a textbook," Clarice grinned.
Walking into the conference room they heard the Warden, head manager of the sanctuary, call for everyone's attention
"Alright right everyone! It's time to discuss the placements and program rules."
Gathering around with the rest of her colleagues, Desiree listened to the Warden go over the ground rules of the program, most of which was basic common sense and a warning to be on their best behaviour.
Desiree intently followed along, feeling her nerves start eating at her stomach the closer it got to finding out the result of her placement.
As the Warden started listing off the allocated sanctuaries to various groups her heart pounded in her chest.
"Clarice, Jennifer, Maggie and Desiree, you've been assigned to Rivenwood sanctuary."
Fuck, Desiree thought, suddenly feeling a wave of nausea consume her.
She stood frozen on the spot, the Warden's words echoing in her head like a banshees screams in a cave.
It was only when a worried looking Clarice tapped on her shoulder for the second time that she realised the Warden had finished talking and most people were busy leaving the conference room.
Regaining her focus, Desiree sheepishly motioned to Clarice that she was fine and not to worry.
Eye's falling on Warden's form, Desiree quickly darted between passing individuals to catch her before she left.
"Ma'am."
"Hello Desiree, how can I help you?" The Warden smiled.
"I was wondering if I'd be able to get a transfer to another sanctuary," Desiree spoke, trying to keep her emotions as calm as possible.
"A transfer?" the Warden asked surprised. "What's wrong with your current selection?"
"Uhh, well, I'm already familiar with Rivenwood's sanctuary. Having lived there and all. I was hoping to be able to go somewhere different and get some new exposure."
"Oh, I'm sorry my dear. I placed you in Rivenwood because I thought your familiarity with the town would make things easier for you. I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about it now. The forms for the programs have already been submitted."
"That's alright, it's no trouble," Desiree smiled. On the inside, however, she was screaming.
Dropping her bag on the floor, Desiree fell onto her bed with a heavy sigh.
After her stressful morning, the day only seemed to get worse.
Between the building stress and anxiety of what would she would inevitably have to face and the increasing ache in her bones, Desiree just wanted to curl in a ball and be swallowed whole.
Slowly dragging herself up, she rubbed at her stiff neck as her eyes fell on the moonbeams filtering through her bedroom window.
Moving to open the window, she climbed onto the frame and pulled herself onto the roof.
Settling down on the tiles she glanced at the moon, feeling both a sense of peace and restlessness stir in her bones. Grasping onto her chocker, she breathed out slowly, before lying back on the roof.
Minutes, then hours passed by as she stared at the moon lost in her memories. It was times like these that she let herself remember, reminded herself of why she had to make the choices she did.
Her thoughts were cut off when the sound of trees swaying in the wind was interrupted by a wolf's howl echoing from a distance. Immediately her heart clenched and tears stung her eyes.
It was a long and sorrowful call, and like every night before, the call lingered pained, lonely and unanswered.