Fauna and Flora of the Vitromotus: Natural Clocks

Since our early days inside this prison known as the Vitromotus, we have searched for numerous ways to keep track of time. With no way to see the sun or the stars, and not even the tides of the sea to guide us, we usually just resorted to carving marks on pieces of wood after our sleep and trying to compare them with the rest of the group.

Making logs and journals used to be the most common way of keeping track of our memories and movements. Ironically, many of our companions were not smart enough to write them properly. Furthermore, the required materials were sometimes scarce. It took us a while to find a definitive and affordable way of tracking time.

The fauna and flora of the Vitromotus are not only varied but also most peculiar. For example, bioluminescent animals are common, providing us with lights in a multitude of bright colors. Some aquatic species, like the anglerfish, are kept in tanks to provide rooms with a natural glow.

But what about keeping time? I discovered a type of cave mushroom that developed a phosphorescent tone, allowing it to glow in the dark. I noticed that it has a cycle that changes its color from red to green, which at first I thought was random. After the tedious task of timing its change, I discovered that it lasts for exactly twelve hours, allowing us to precisely count the days inside the prison. I decided to call it horolofungi.

Being a devoted botanist for most of my life, I have witnessed countless species of plants and fungi, but this one is completely new to me. Judging by the precision of its changes, I dare to say that the creator of the Vitromotus has designed it specifically for that purpose. Whether this was meant to be a sincere act of decency towards the prisoners, or simply his way of reaching perfection, I leave that for you to decide, dear reader.