Tereza didn’t speak to me until two days after Nurse Gunderson took my wheelchair. We were in skills training, learning database skills in the computer lab so we could get a temp office job once we were released. I doubt Tereza would have spoken to me at all, but two lucky things happened that made it possible:

1.     Tereza was the last person into the lab, so she had to take the only open station, which was right next to me.

2.     Mrs. Waterhouse left the room for a few minutes. I’m not sure why – it’s never happened before, but there it was, and I jumped on the opportunity to talk to Tereza.

She was reticent at first, trying her best to subtly glance around the lab to make she Mrs. Waterhouse was gone.

Tereza. Why did you get double-dosed? Are you stupid?

Me. Triple, actually. And no, I’m not stupid. I tried to hint to Gunderson that she should give me a break. I guess she didn’t like my hints – she told the Warden.

Tereza. You idiot. Of course she reported you. What did you think was going to happen?

Me. I guess I thought it might work, that she’d lay off for a week.

Tereza was quiet for a second. I thought she was done talking to me, or maybe that Mrs. Waterhouse was back in the room, but a quick glance around told me that wasn’t true. Finally Tereza spoke again, resuming her conspiratorial whisper.

Tereza. Powers must have it in for you, to give you a triple dose on a first offense. I don’t know what you did to attract his attention, but you better lay low for awhile.

Me. That’s what I’ve been trying to do.

Tereza. You almost lost it in group the other day. Not exactly laying low.

Me. Well it’s tough, okay? Maybe you’re used to feeling like crap all the time, but I’m not, even after all the time I’ve been here. I can’t get used to this. You and all the other inmates seem like you’re not even sick.

Tereza looked away from the monitor she’d been pretending to be engrossed in, and stared into my eyes. She looked like she was studying me, her brown eyes flitted back and forth in mine as if looking for a secret.

Tereza. Look, there is a way.

She looked around to see if anyone was listening. It didn’t look like anyone was, but it was hard to tell.

Tereza. Meet me behind the chapel tomorrow during outside time and I’ll tell you about it. Just be careful. Make sure none of the guards see you go back there – we have to come separately. Got it?

I nodded, turning back to my monitor and doing my best to pretend I was working. It worked so well I didn’t even notice Mrs. Waterhouse come back in. When class was over I was surprised to find out that I’d finished the database training without thinking about it. The whole time my mind was swimming with questions. Maybe this is the answer I’ve been looking for. Maybe not. I just don’t want to feel sick anymore.