I Take It Back

Chapter 1

My name is Eva Williams, and the last time I spoke was on September 9, 2025, when I turned thirteen. I reside in London after the takeover. the city, once-beautiful and open, remains now a mass of rubble. We were all perplexed on the day London went silent, nobody told us what was going on; we didn't even know the government or the Queen had already been killed. Now, the all-knowing, all-powerful Project x72, developed by the government with the internet in mind, is in charge of us all. No matter where we are or what we're doing, Project x72 can pick up each and every gadget in London. They are watching us.

This take over came with many rules, the most detrimental being no talking. It is heartbreaking to watch, adults forgetting the sound of their own voice and children never really meeting their mothers. Of course the other rules do still effect us. A strict 8pm curfew, disgusting rations barely enough to keep us alive, and being locked in London like rats in a cage. It is so dehumanising. But we have no choice, breaking any of the rules results in immediate death. No torturing or public execution, you are simply eliminated.

I have one spark of joy left, my niece. She is a ray of sunshine in this dark city. She is my source of hope. Hope that someday we will get out of here, and all of our children can be as cheerful as she is. She finds a way to turn the darkest realities into playful little cartoons that make you laugh everytime you watch them. I love her.

Tiana comes to visit every few months and I have to savour those few hours with her. My sister, Marelyn, sends me a text 'Tiana can come round today if you're free??' My face lights up as I read the text, I immediately alert her that I am indeed free and would love to see Tiana. Realising company would also mean getting ready, I slouch out of bed walking past my desk full of random pages full of writing about anything I could think of. Writing became increasingly popular after the ban on talking, texting and writing are now our only means of communication.

After getting ready, I set out some snacks and drinks for the girls coming round and as I finish there is a knock at the door. A smile appears on my face and I open the door, seeing Tiana's smiling expression that just warms my heart every time I see it. "EVA!" She exclaims excitedly. My heart drops. I almost think I imagined it until I see the machines crowding my house and Tiana's smile fading as a metal pellet imbeds itself into her flesh. Marelyn and I both dive to the floor to catch her, able to do nothing but let tears silently fall onto Tiana's now lifeless body.

I suddenly feel an overwhelming sensation. Rage. I want to rip every component out of those robots until they're just scraps on the streets. They took my spark, my joy, my hope. And now, I'll take it back.

A/N 532 words
This is technically from my English class but a better version of the version I'm writing. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter 🫶🏼🫶🏼🩶🪻🫐