Anton's provocation leaves me confused. The concept of freedom isn't something that can be defined in only one way. There are different interpretations with varied levels of nuance. Context is also important. It plays a crucial role as the connotation of the term can change depending on it.

I point out. "I don't think we're ready to discuss the true meaning of freedom. So, let's just try and enjoy it, okay?"

Afterwards, everyone drifts their attention to other activities. Kat and Brianna find out they can have access to Netflix and take advantage of it to watch a TV series. Anton restarts playing darts on his own. This leaves me with Lindsey.

"I'm bored," she states. "Have you got any ideas?"

I open the cupboard to see if there are some spare snacks. However, I notice two decks of cards: one of regular cards, and one of UNO. I take both to allow Lindsey to choose. "What do you want to play? Bridge? Trump? Or Rummy?"

She gives me a mischievous look. "Well, I'd actually like some poker..." Uh-oh. This spells trouble. I'm not good at playing poker. I have to convince her to try another game.

"Are you sure? We need at least six players." It's a blatant lie, and it isn't particularly convincing either. Of course, she doesn't believe it and insists. I don't want to play poker, though. I'm not keen on making a poor figure.

Despite my attempts to pull out of it, Lindsey somehow forces me to join her in a Blackjack game. She also has the rest take part in it, so that I can't say no. Freedom my ass!

Of course, I'm a disaster and end up losing badly. The penalty Lindsey chooses for me is outright cruel in my opinion: I have to wear a maid costume and perform a belly dance show in it for the next two hours. Fuck her.

I comply, even though I try hard to half ass it because I'm dead sure she'll post it on social media, even though I threaten her. "If I see even a single frame of this performance on Instagram or TikTok, I'll make sure the rest of your stay here is ruined. Guaranteed."

She doesn't take me seriously, though. She films every single second of this pathetic stunt. The others laugh profusely at it, while I'm on the brink of tears. Again, fuck Lindsey. She's doomed. I'll get back at her for insisting on playing poker. I know what to start from.

The common room has a wide wardrobe where different costumes are stuffed inside. Among others, I notice a sheep onesie. I grin as I show it off. "Now, Lindsey, you know what? I think I like this game. So much that I think you should try, too." I hand her the costume. "Wear it. The rest of you, stay put. I have ideas for you, as well."

I choose an elf costume for Brianna, a sequined gown for Anton and a cowboy attire for Kat. These three enthusiastically accept to look the part, understanding the direction the game is taking. On the other hand, Lindsey seems insulted by the idea of having to dress up as a sheep.

I insist. "Come on. It's gonna be fun." Ah, the sweet taste of payback. What comes around...

It takes Lindsey thirty minutes to finally convince herself to dress up. She almost cries as she puts that ridiculous onesie one. Kat and I can't suppress laughter at how cringey she looks. We even bleat, with Anton joining us.

I expect Lindsey to storm out of the room in anger; instead, she starts singing. "Old MacDonald had a farm, ee i ee i o, and on his farm he had some cows, ee i ee i o."

The rest of us continue the song, obviously imitating different animals. Suddenly, I let out a burp. Brianna curls her nose, probably weirded out at my lack of finesse. The others laugh, with Kat doing an impression of me.

I clap my hands. "Oh my God, you look like me. A perfect copy!"

This sort of imitation game goes on for several hours, until 4pm approximately. We don't even really have lunch. Just snacks until we run out. "One day, we'll have to do the shopping," points out Kat. She's right. We can't expect everything to be served at a snap of our fingers.

Brianna and Lindsey seem tired, so we decide to put an end to game. We change back into regular clothes and retreat in our rooms.

***

Last night was uneventful, so we each spent it by ourselves doing our stuff. I, for example, stayed in my room and read a book. I stayed up until 1am because the plot was so captivating that it made me read the entire story in a night.

Today, I have to come up with new ideas for activities to do together, so that we don't have to waste time being and feeling lonely. As I go through the common room for more ideas, I overhear Anton and Brianna bickering out of the room, perhaps in the halls.

Exactly as I thought. They're arguing in the corridor. I don't know why, but I wish they'd stop. There's no time for useless tensions that will only ruin our stay here.

"Why the fuck are you still bringing that up? Can't you just relax a bit, Brianna?"

"There is a catch, though, Anton. Or are you too ignorant not to notice?"

They can keep going through this topic over and over and over. Arguing over it won't help. All they, and we in turn, can do is to simply savor the pleasure of these days away from intricate personal matters.

I open yesterday's wardrobe, believing there's more than just costumes. My attention is caught by a paper glued inside with tape. I take a close look. It seems to be a list of rules. How come have I only found it now? The others must see it.

I remove the tape and pick the paper. I run to the corridor, where Anton and Brianna are still busy discussing the same old matter. Aren't they tired?

"Brianna, stop being paranoid for once and enjoy yourself! Do I have to draw it for you?"

"Leave me alone, okay?"

I intervene. "Wait! Guys, I've found this in the wardrobe in the common room. Let's call Kat and Lindsey and read it together, okay?" The fight seems to have subsided for now. However, I shouldn't keep my hopes up just yet. The tension has reached a new high in the past five minutes and could rise further.

The five of us all gather by the poufs. I read the content of the letter aloud. 'Welcome to the new sensational project by POTENTIAL+, 20 Days of Freedom. Does the perspective of living a life void of restrictions intrigue you? Then, this is the package for you! However, keep in mind that freedom isn't unlimited and it has boundaries that need to be respected in order to maintain a good balance.' This is something we already know, so I move on to the next paragraph.

'You may wonder what are the rules you have to follow while taking part in this initiative. Well, there are just two, and they are very simple.

1. Have fun. This is an integral part of the process, so enjoy yourself and the company of the other people as much as you can.

2. Know your limits and unleash your potential. They can be useful resources for your stay here.'

The letter ends here. The rear of the paper is empty. I wonder who has acted the closest to the guidelines. Well, "acted" isn't exactly the correct term to use in this context. Maybe I should come up with another one.

Never mind. The others have already drifted back to minding their own business. I mean, they're free to do as they please. Rules are overrated sometimes.