Very interesting story, Darren. I wasn't sure until the end whether you would stick it out.

I do have a couple of questions: How old were you at the time? Have you ever regretted leaving prematurely? Was there anything to be gained--other than a good story--from the experience? Do you feel, in retrospect, there was some point to it all?

I'm not sure at any point in my life, I could have gone through with it--the part about never questioning anything might have been almost as hard as the physical torment. Thanks for a great read.