The shadow of the sanatorium

#Chapter 1

Mom was convinced I had a boyfriend.

That's why she shipped me off to that re-education camp.

After the hell I went through, I finally got the message. They brainwashed me into being terrified of guys, and I stayed as far away from them as possible.Mom was thrilled with the results."I should have sent you there sooner," she said, all smug.But then she saw the scars. All the marks they left on me.That's when she realized she'd messed up. She dropped to her knees, begging for my forgiveness.1.Today was the day I was sprung from that nightmare. Since it was Thanksgiving, Mom was the one who picked me up."This is all your fault, sneaking around having lunch with boys. That's why I sent you to that place," she lectured."It was for your own good."She wouldn't shut up the whole drive home.I kept my head down, afraid to say a word. I was scared she'd turn the car around and dump me right back there.Just thinking about it made me start to shake.We got to the house, and Mom opened the door.Dad was already in the dining room. He was beaming, arms wide open, ready to give me a hug.The second I saw him, I couldn't breathe. My whole body started to ache, deep in my bones.I felt like I was suffocating.At that camp, we weren't allowed to look at any guys, not even in pictures.If you broke the rules, they'd punish you.Screaming, whipping, electroshock, solitary confinement...One time, they found a book I'd snuck in with a drawing of a man.They hung me upside down by my ankles over a pool of water, stuffed a rag in my mouth and nose.They'd let go, I'd drop into the water.Just when I was about to pass out, they'd yank me back up.Over and over.I really thought I was going to die that day.Ever since then, I've been terrified of all guys.Even my own father.Mom nudged me forward. "Go on, say hi to your dad.""You used to be so outgoing. What's with all the shrinking?"Her voice was sharp.I didn't dare hesitate. I walked in, stiff as a board.I forced a smile for them, then sat down and started shoveling food into my mouth.I wanted to show Mom how much I loved her cooking, so I took huge bites.But I forgot about my stomach.At the camp, they'd force-fed me all kinds of garbage, and I ended up with terrible ulcers.They were afraid my parents would find out, so they took me to some back-alley doctor who cut most of my stomach out.After just a few bites, my stomach started burning.But I kept going, because I didn't want to upset Mom.Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.I pushed my plate away and ran to the trash can, throwing up everything I had just eaten.Mom was furious. "I slaved over that dinner, and you're just going to throw it up? I should send you back tomorrow for a little more discipline!"2.I panicked.Without even wiping my mouth, I dropped to my knees in front of Mom, crying."Mom... I'm sorry. I'll do whatever you want, just please don't send me back..."I grabbed her pants leg, begging.Mom was taken aback.She frowned at me, not saying anything.Dad stepp...