went instead to a large open barrel beside them. She
lit a match and dropped it into the barrel. Instantly, a
flame shot up. Something very flammable was in the
barrel,
"Okay, girls," M'Lady One said. "Take those
clothes and throw them into the barrel."
"What?" Teal couldn't contain herself. "Burn
my clothes? Why?"
Out of the shadows as if she were formed from
darkness came Dr. Foreman.
"I know this seems hard to you, girls, but it is a
very, very important first step. What we are doing
here tonight is burning away the old you and
beginning your rebirths. This isn't just symbolic. It has
a great deal of psychological importance."
The fire crackled in the barrel,
But that's not the old me. That's my clothing,
my designer clothing!" Teal exclaimed.
For a long moment, no one spoke. Then Dr.
Foreman stepped a little closer,
"We'll stand here all night if we have to." she
warned, "It is essential to my system, my process, that
you all participate in your awn rebirths."
"This is really crazy." Teal muttered.
"I'm so tired. I don't care about anything
anymore," Robin declared, and went to the clothes, "Don't throw mine in there," Teal screamed at
her.
Robin picked out her own things and began to
toss them into the barrel. I followed after her and did
the same. Finally. Teal, standing alone, went to the remaining garments. Then, like someone giving up the