Anthem

After they leave I slowly sit myself up. I run a hand through my hair, moving it out of my face. My heart refuses to slow. As I button up my shirt, as the shaking slows. I lie back down and pull the blanket around myself despite the sheen of sweat that lingers on my skin. I'm just going to forget what happened.

The next morning I'm jolted awake as the lights shoot on. I hear angry groans and muffled swears as people slowly wake up. My throat burns. I open my eyes and I'm met with a pounding headache and a surge of nausea. I groan and sit up. As I look around I see that some of the bunks are empty. Apparently everyone didn't make it back to their bunks last night.
My memories of the previous night are slightly fuzzy. Like a dream. My arm brushes against the bunk. I look at it. Yellowing bruises wrap around my wrists like cuffs. I bury my face in my hands in embarrassment. I stare at the floor and get ready for a long day.
Our captains may have overlooked