A Maidservant Girl's Guide to Survival

"Rule Number One for Slaves: Never ask questions."

"Rule Number Two: Never say a word."

"Rule Number Three: If you're hit, don't hit back."

"Rule Number Four: If you're hit, don't even cry out in pain."

"Rule Number Five: Don't cry. Tears only cause trouble for your master."

"Rule Number Six: Don't remember. Whatever happens to you today, forget it all by tomorrow."

"Rule Number Seven: Don't hope. There is no tomorrow, only the next command."

A slave is a tool, unworthy of a self.

A slave is expendable. Whenever the master needs it, offer up your life without hesitation.

Don't think. Don't ask questions. Even when you're hurt, don't make a sound.

Don't resist. Don't beg. Don't let anyone see that you're in pain.

Before the master speaks, you are air. After the master speaks, you are a shadow.

A shadow has no name, no past, and no such thing as "wants."

You exist only when the master is pleased. When the master is displeased, you should disappear.

But a shadow, after all, is cast by light.

When there is no light, the shadow disappears too.