The secrets we keep are better left hidden.

There were many secrets hidden within the walls of Lockheart Childrens home. Nestled within the heart of the California Redwoods during the Vietnam War, there lay a home for the wicked and twisted. No one knew where the girls and boys dissapeared to when they turned twenty, but no one dared speak of them once they were gone.

You were sent there for burning your Ex Best friends house down with her inside of it. Gerard was sent there for abuse induced PTSD that allowed him to dodge the draft.

The rules were strict. -No child was allowed outside unattended. -If you angered the staff or broke any rules, you were sent to 'The Pit.' -No child was allowed into the back shed. -If you spoke of the missing children, you were sent to the pit. -If you fought, you were sent to the pit, ect.

It had been three weeks since you had seen Gerard. He had went against your advice and eavesdropped on a staff meeting, leading to a stay at the pit. The Pit was a cold room, devoid of windows and furniture. You got the bare minimum for food and weren't allowed any contact with anyone if you stayed there.

You sat on the cold tiles of the library, tattered dress tucked around your bare feet as you watched two guards escort a disturbed looking Gerard to where you were. They promptly shoved him inside the room and stalked off, leaving him to stand there, hands cluctching his forearms.

He looked disturbed, like he had truly seen hell. After all, it would mess with ones mind to be in solitary confinement repeatedly. Gerard said nothing as he ran his hand over his face, glancing at you once as he took a seat on the couch. There was something going on in this place, something sinister. He knew it, you knew it. Everyone knew it, but they were either victims of it or in on it. The sounds of news about the Vietnam War played quierly over the radio, muffling the sounds of the kids in the playroom beside you two.

It was only then that you noticed the blood on his face, some dried and some fresh.