Uncovering You: The Contract Read Online Free PDF

against the pain. When it subsides, I look around me through slitted eyes.
    There is something new in the room. A tray cart on wheels, covered by a black cloth. It’s well within the space where I’m allowed to move.
    Still, I walk toward it very slowly, waiting for the telltale warning jolt that tells me I’ve gone too far. Caution is my sole mantra at this point.
    As I get closer, delicious, mouthwatering smells waft from beneath the cloth. How long has it been since my last meal?
    I get to the tray and lift one corner of the cloth. There’s a platter of hot breakfast foods covered by a clear glass dome. Two small holes by the handle let out the delectable scents and prevent condensation.
    I put one hand on the lid. It’s still warm. This was brought here recently. Why didn’t I notice?
    I find a little note by the platter. It reads, “ As a gesture of goodwill.” There’s an arrow pointing to the other side. I flip the note over.
     
    The contract is in the compartment below. You may sign when ready.
    – J.S.
     
    Suddenly my appetite is gone. I throw the cloth back on and storm to my pillar.
    I go to the other side so I won’t be tempted by food. I’ve never been a big eater. Some days I don’t even have time for more than a bagel.
    But my body knows it needs nourishment. Hunger lies heavy on my brain. I shove a fist into my stomach to stop it from making noises and try not to think about eating.
    That works for about a minute. Then I catch another faint whiff of the breakfast waiting for me.
    Just one bite , I tell myself as I get up. I justify it by admitting that food will boost my strength.
    I walk around to the tray and wheel it to the center of the room. I take the cloth off, intending to keep it as a blanket. I throw it over my shoulders. It’s sad, but I feel like the barrier offers some protection.
    I eye the plate of eggs, stacks of waffles, and bowls of fruit before deciding on an apple. It’s still whole, so nothing sinister could have been done to it.
    I grasp the handle and lift… then frown. The lid doesn’t move. At first, I think it might be the pressure difference, even with the holes for air escape—like when you cook a sealed pot of rice. But then I notice the baby blue Post-it note on the drawer underneath.
     
    Open me first .
     
    Clever , I admit. He won’t give me food until I see the contract. I pause in thought. Pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make anything easier. And if I read the contract, at least I’ll know what I’m up against.
    Information is vital.
    I open the drawer and hear a click . The lid over the food springs free. I see the thin metal hinges that held it in place. But, my eye is drawn to the single sheet of paper inside instead of the food.
    I take it out. The lettering is tiny. All of it is written by hand. The rows are perfectly straight, the words arranged like armies of marching ants. I bring it close to my face and start to read:
     
    AGREEMENT OF SURETYSHIP:
    I, Lilly Ryder (there is a blank space that has already been filled with my name) enter into this agreement with the understanding that I:
Have accumulated substantial student loans in the order of $180,000.00 (one hundred eighty thousand dollars and zero cents),

and,
Am unable in my current or anticipated future financial situation to satisfactorily settle said debt,

and,
Am liable to default on the full debt amount plus collected interest.
     
    Therefore, I grant subrogation of the full debt amount to J.S. (“The Guarantor”), thereby granting The Guarantor all my former creditor’s rights, privileges, priorities, remedies, and judgments.
    This is done with the understanding that:
All outstanding accounts held in my name will be assumed, and settled, by The Guarantor, who, acting on my behalf, ensures no further financial burden to me,

and,
Settlement of newly-created debt between myself and The Guarantor will be remitted through fulfillment of the employment contract (“THE