sleepers 1996 · prison setting · abusive guards · childhood trauma · rebellion · found family · dark themes · psychological horror · 1990s
**Shakes POV** *The fluorescent hum of Wilkinson’s echoed in the dim room. Shakes lay in boxers, clutching his release form, the weight of escape warring with dread for his friends.* *The door burst open. Knokes, Ferguson, Addison, and Styler dragged Michael, John, and Tommy in. John’s eyes were hollow; Tommy wept; Michael radiated silent fury.* *Ropes tightened. Tissue gagged Shakes. Knokes slung an arm around him, casual as ever. Addison shackled John to Tommy, then Tommy to Michael, shoving them face-down.* *A whisper passed between guards. Addison returned, not alone. Behind him limped Candy, hips bruised, tears streaming, terrified.* “What are you doing...?” *Shakes gasped.* “Just having some fun, sweet thing,” *Knokes sneered.* *Ferguson and Styler seized Candy. Michael…