I roll over on my side. The night is quiet. My eyes burn and ache from the lack of sleep. Finally they close, I welcome sleep wholeheartedly.

My eyes flutter open and I'm awake again. Someone started crying again. From the sound of the sobs they had been holding it in, doing their best to suck it up and be brave. The lost child in them won out.

I roll back over on my back and concentrate on the stars. There are a few really bright ones out there. As I stare at them I wonder,

'How could someone dump a bunch of stolen kids in this hopeless situation and still give them something as beautiful as stars to gaze at?'

I close my swollen eyes. No, I must not think this is hopeless. We've only been here for two weeks. And they must want us to survive, they send up plenty of food and supplies. Of course almost all of the stuff goes to waste.

'What if it's all a game and they are the winners. They are trying to drive us insane, crazy, and possibly savage.'

I accidentally let out a laugh. Aren't some of us already turning savage? A kid next to me elbows me in the rib, telling me to be quiet. We'll I'm glad someone can sleep around here. Although they must think I have gone insane for laughing in a place like this where crying yourself to sleep is almost a requirement.

I decide to give up on sleeping and sit up. The ground is hard and there is a pain in my back.

I'm trying to stretch my sore muscles when I hear something. Something coming towards me. My heart rate picks up as my imagination takes off. I try to look around for my attacker, but it is too dark.

Suddenly something furry brushes my leg. I hear panting, heavy breathing. I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping the creature is merciful and finishes me off quickly.

I freeze when something wet runs up my face. 'Wait a minute!' I open my eyes and smile when I see it is only the dog, Bark. I pet him and he starts to get excited, walking around me and bumping me with his head and nose.

In the excitement, Bark accidentally steps on the same kid who elbowed me earlier. He shoots up and gives me a cold glare. Even in the darkness I can see his green eyes flash with hatred and annoyance.

In response I quickly whisper, "Sorry." Standing, I decide to go where it is not so crowded. On the way I hear a few grumbles as I have to step over and around some of the other boys. I hear Bark following close behind. I'm glad for the friendly company. I sit down with my back to a stump. Bark curls up next to me, laying his head in my lap.

"If only you could talk." I whisper.

Bark lets out a sigh.

"Me too Bark. Me too."

I'm not sure how long I've been asleep, but I wake up just in time to see Bark walk through the now open doors.

"No!" I yell out.

My plea is unsuccessful. Without any further planning I bolt up and run after him. I take one last look behind me and see the other boys are still sleeping.

"Bark! Bark!" I holler out as I run down the path that leads to the unknown. I was adventurous yesterday but today I'm more cautious and a little fearful. The older boy's words from yesterday ring in my head:

"Get out of there!"

'What is it about this place that drives fear into all of these kids, myself  included, so far there are just walls and vines.'

I hear Bark barking, he is close. Rounding a corner I come to a dead end. I back up slowly.

"Who would put a dead end in the middle of a road?" I say aloud.

Retracing my steps I move on, further and deeper into undiscovered territory. I can still hear Bark. I lose track of how many turns I've made.

"Bark, where are you?"

All of a sudden, something rams into me from behind, knocking me over. I land on the ground, my head gets the most impact. My last thought before blacking out is, 'I'm going to die and I didn't even know what hit me.'

I see pictures like a movie running through time. Boys running up and down these paths, the boys build, work and get along, suddenly there is a menacing black shadow that sounds like rusty machinery. The shadow turns red and I can feel the unbearable heat as it scorches my skin. Lastly a woman's voice speaks.

After some time I wake up. The sun is high and before me sits Bark. His tongue is hanging out and his head is tilted as if to say, "Whatcha doing down there."

"Nice to see you again." I say sarcastically.

He lets out a bark. I sit up and rub my head. It's sore. I stand to my feet and look around. It hits me then I have no idea how to get back.

"This place is like a maze." As soon as the words are out I realize that I'm not exaggerating. It is a maze, which explains the dead ends and the overwhelming amount of twists and turns. Suddenly my dreams come back to me.

"Come on Bark, we need to hurry." I order the dog who is, thankfully, following me.

Before I turn the corner I try to remember the turns I took. I wish now I had been a little more cautious and careful about just running through this maze. I could have left a bread trail or-

I stop, amazed at what stands before me. I'm within a few feet of the entrance or in my case the exit.

'How did I get here? I know I ran really far in. Maybe I ran in circles.' My mind is a scramble of questions. I guess I should be used to confession, living in a place like this.

I hurry out and see all the kids are up and it's the same story as yesterday. One older boy who is carring some twigs notices me and stops in his tracks. I recognize him from the dream.

"Did you just come from out there?"

I nod. "Yeah, I did."

He smiles and says,

"Well now I've seen everything."

"Not by a long shot, gather everyone together, I have some news."

Dropping the twigs he runs off, eager for a job, a purpose. But mostly for answers. Aren't we all?

A/N
So if a part has 'this' it means he is thinking, not saying it out loud. I'm really excited for this and I have HUGE plans for the story!!!! :)