Kilmy: The Indomitable

7/ My only friend

I'm the first to leave the classroom, eager to put away my things and escape the school building. As I wait for Dyna by the front door, I lean against the wall, watching her take her sweet time gathering her belongings.

"You should come over," Dyna suggests as she finally joins me. We step outside together, feeling the sun's heat beating down on us. "I could use the company."

"Don't forget about the curfew." As much as I'd love to go home with her, I don't want to stay out too late. We've cut it close before, and I don't want to risk breaking the curfew, especially with the upcoming competition. We need to prioritize our preparation.

"I know," she groans. "I hate having one."

"It sucks," I agree.

"I wish I had a cat," Dyna says wistfully, her expression growing sad as she speaks. "Something to keep me company all times of day and night without a worry."

"If only that were possible."

Only the rich can afford to have a pet, like a puppy.

"Or I would love to become an older sister."

I'm tempted to invite her into my house, but the law only permits two people to live in a single household. The reasons behind this rule remain unclear, but we can't afford to challenge it. So, we continue walking, trying to make the most of our limited time together before the curfew forces us apart once again.

Dyna lost her sister last year when her programmed death arrived. I know she's been lonely ever since, and I desperately wish I could help her, but I'm unsure of the consequences. I don't want her to get into trouble because of me, and I don't want to risk being shipped off somewhere else either.

"I think it'd be fun to have someone to take care of and look up to me," says Dyna, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "You know, someone to share my experiences with and teach them things. A sibling to laugh with and rely on."

I nod in agreement, understanding the sentiment behind her words. The thought of having someone close, someone to share life's ups and downs with, is comforting.

"Yeah, I can see how that would be nice," I reply, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. "But hey, at least you have me, right? We'll always be there for each other, no matter what."

Dyna smiles warmly, her eyes brightening. "You're right, Mila. I'm lucky to have you as my friend. You're like a sister to me, and I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything."

As we continue walking, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the bond Dyna and I share. While we may not be related by blood, our friendship has grown strong enough to feel like a family connection. And in a world as restrictive as ours, that connection means everything.

I'm thankful I'll have Dyna for years to come still. I don't know what I would do without her, and I don't want to find out.

"Don't get me wrong, having a house, you, and food is enough to be happy," Dyna rushes to add, not wanting to sound ungrateful for the life we have.

I hold a finger up, cutting her off gently. "I know what you mean. You don't have to say anything else."

Dyna is not like me. She doesn't dream of being famous or living an extravagant life. She's a simple girl, content with what she has, and always smiling. I envy her in many ways. It's like she's been preserved by life, untouched by the worries and darker aspects that seem to plague me. I hope she will never change, that she'll always remain this pure, happy soul I've come to cherish.

Her presence is a reminder that even in the restrictive world we live in, there's still beauty and happiness to be found in the simplest of things. And perhaps that's the most important lesson of all – learning to appreciate and hold onto the people and moments that make life worth living.

As we continue walking, we come across a wanted poster; a stark reminder of the threats lurking outside our city, and yet, there's something intriguing about the young pirate. He looks nothing like the stereotypical criminals we've been warned about. He is a young pirate who is the most wanted in our region. Surprisingly, he doesn't look like the typical menacing pirate. He has a cold, intense gaze and a strong jawline. 

"I wouldn't want to be alone with him," I shiver, staring at his unsmiling face, trying to shake off the odd mixture of fear and curiosity.

"He's so young," Dyna mutters, shaking her head, equally captivated by the mysterious figure.

We walk for a while before making it to Dyna's house. Every house is similar, thanks to our government. They don't want anything fancy here for us ordinary people, ensuring everyone stays on the same level. She waves goodbye and heads inside.

I make the downhill trek to my home, trying to shift my focus to the stunning deep blue sea glistening underneath the sun. A small smile touches my lips as I get closer, momentarily forgetting about the pirate and the contest.

The beauty of our surroundings is one of the few things that make life in Valencygne bearable. As much as I yearn for something more, I can't help but appreciate the simple tranquility of our city. It's a small comfort, but it's something that keeps me going day after day, even when the world seems to be conspiring against me.

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