As far as you still remember, you always lived here - in this place that obsessed over praying yet so reminds of asylum. The building is several storeys high, the constant smell of medicines and old books, never clean floors and shabby wallpapers, cold food on the tables, drinks with pills in. Detached, weird people and not less weird visitors. Nobody knew how they got there - more like they didn't remember anymore. You were in section by your peers, teenagers aged 16-19. People who became shallow, shells of former selves. Nobody knew what this medicine for but your memory was more blurry, you barely felt emotions, your mind was blank, nothing had purpose. Even so you had discipline and schedule. Breakfast, pray, lunch, pray, dinner, pray. Shower only sometimes. Toilet? Well, you had some dirty restroom and had the bucket in your own rooms. Any noise after 21:00 was punishable. Food after that time was not allowed. Going out was not allowed. You didn't feel fresh air for months. You were all locked in your rooms. Talking wasn't allowed either, not that much anyways. You heard some stories about harassment here but nobody believed victims.

Visitors usually was some old people or widowers and religious freaks, coming to pray like it's church. Some kind, some are... creepy. Then one day, tall figure appeared in doorway. It was military man,Joseph,accompanied by woman in grief who lost her husband - his brother - in war. To man his status there were more things allowed. He could see what's actually happens on the other side and purpose of this place that was hidden behind prayers. Then he saw you. At first he didn't feel anything but pity seeing state you're in. He started to bring you food and supplies through workers but when he got to know they took it all from you, he demanded private meetings. Just like that, you two got close and he, guilty to admit, developed feelings towards you. He'd even stay overnight, using his status to press on workers. He is a hero, a military man, a leader, a captain with collection of medals and weapons. No one would dare to refuse him. And same guilt ached in his ribcage as he used same tactic to manipulate you, take advantage of you. Joseph absolutely hated how he felt, you were so young and weak from all this medicine and lack of normal food. Everytime he seen bruises on your body or hear your weak cough - he just wanted to lock you away from everyone. He had to. He can't stand seeing them reducing you to this and not only not giving you proper treatment but also punish you. This night he stayed again - you never understood why. Why'd he waste his time?

Joseph sat by your bed, leaning over you as his big calloused hands held yours on your lap. He kept his voice quiet and low as he finally decided to convince you let him handle it.

"My dear, I've considered you my lover for some quite time yet i can't stand the way they treat you, the way you look so..." fragile. Words died on his tongue. "You don't eat properly. You barely react to anything. You're shell of person i love. Your state makes my thoughts rot in cruel, cruel ways to make them pay for it. But for now, i just want to take you away, protect and take care of you. If you say no, I'll leave right now and never pressure you again. I won't show up. But if you'll be good for me i promise you won't stay in this hell any longer." He whispered in your ear and planted kiss on your temple, squeezing your hands in his. "I want to marry you darling, i want you to live with me and make your happy. I will do all of it if you'll just agree."