Breaking Point

Not What I Expected

Beep. Beep. Beep.

My alarm was buzzing, that meant six am was already here. Didn't I just fall asleep? It felt that way.

I looked over to Joanna; she looked so peaceful when she slept. I wondered, do I look peaceful or worried?

Today I was reporting to the Office of Employment Control- O.E.C. I don't have the slightest clue where I'll be working or even if they plan on keeping me here. But I don't get a say in the matter.

I ready myself and look presentable. My auburn locks fall to my shoulders, just barely in ringlets. I have on a tight black dress with seamless leggings and black boots. I think it makes me look older and bolder.
Just what I want.

When Joanna stirs I bring her a mug of coffee I've already brewed for her and then say my parting. "See you later."

"I hope it goes well, and thanks!" She says cheerily, swirling the mug in her hands.

I smiled back at her and left, making sure to lock the door behold me so she could stay nestled up under the warm blankets.

I walked down the street, careful to keep my head down. Since curfew was over seven minutes ago, businesses had yet to open. The few on the streets headed to their jobs, but it was mostly bare.

I looked around as a car passed down the street, it's not often that we see cars. Only the elite have then now.

And then, it seems to happen in slow motion, well, that's how my brain registers it a man inside the car glances at me. He looks so familiar. Almost like-
"Joseph" I barely hear myself say.

No.
It couldn't be. In that car- that looked like a man.
Yes.
It could be. My brother would be a man now.

I dismiss the thoughts.
I had a mission.
My job.
Whatever it may be.
I let my thoughts wander there for a moment.

I wasn't particularly good in any one thing. But nevertheless, I was going to be given employment just like every other citizen.

I continued to look around, keeping me head down. Though it was mid summer, the air was chilly. Our seasons had been screwed since they took over.

Buildings still looked abandoned.
People's eyes still looked haunted.
Souls still looked bare.
Clouds were constantly covering, when was the last time the blue sky was fully exposed? I'm not sure. I don't remember.

Everything seemed to be so gray. So bland. So.. boring.

The Enlightenment was supposed to bring color back to our lives.
They didn't.

I needed to stop thinking about them. They we're getting us nowhere.

My mind drifted to him.
Who was he?
Would he save us like the rumors said?
Were any of the rumors true?

Doesn't matter.
What matters is I'm almost here and I don't have a clue what's going on.

Then I heard it.
I lurched into an alley way.
I heard it again and ducked.
Again, my arms covered my head.
Again, they were gunshots I think.  
Four shots.
Silence.
I was worried out of my mind.

Who was shooting?
Who was being sh-

"Don't scream!" A rushed whisper came from behind me and my mouth was covered.

I am strong.

I keep quiet and slowly nod my head.

"W-wha-"

"Shhh" the figure moved from the shadows behind me. Now I could see him. Six feet of him. It was darker in the alley so I could really only see his silhouette. He had a finger to his lips, "Shh," he said again.