Light the Way

Chapter Thirty

Today was just another day, she reminded herself.

She did her morning chores as normal before everyone else woke up. Folding up the laundry that had been hang drying from the night before – into small little piles based on whomever the article belonged to, letting the sea salt smell waft into her nose and calm her down. Her fingers had been shaking while she folded, and she chewed on her lip to keep herself focused. Moving onto the next task, she readied the ingredients for their breakfast, hoping to have it all ready before her siblings woke up and then the real work for the day would begin.

Keeping their spirits up on this sacred day.

Her hands worked quickly, worrying that if they stopped moving they wouldn't stop shaking and the pit that was forming in her stomach would rise up into her throat and seek release. She made sure the portions were smaller than the days prior, knowing that everyone would have less of an appetite today. But in the rare stroke of luck that someone wouldn't be returning home today, they'd be grateful for the sustenance.

"Magdalena?" A small voice called out, interrupting her from her worries.

"Sweet pea, what are you doing up?" Magdalena abandoned the breakfast preparations and stooped down onto her knees to meet her brother's eyes.

The young boy shrugged, no older than seven, quieter than most of the kids his age. Something her parents chided him for, but a skill that would come in handy for him today. Today was the only day you wanted to be quiet and unnoticeable.

"Come, have some tea with me." She coaxed the boy, leading him over to the small table they normally had breakfast at.

Magdalena was grateful for her family and the hard work they put in each day. Unlike other families, she never went to bed hungry or alone. And although she craved just an ounce of privacy most nights, she couldn't imagine living any other way. Especially today. Family would be especially important today.

"You're up early." An older voice interrupted, coming to take a seat at the table, next to the younger brother. Magdalena grabbed an extra mug and added more stems into the boiling water. A simple tea, with simple herbs from the grasses near their home. They were simple people.

"Chores still exist to the rest of us." She gritted out in response, not bothering to turn around to address her older brother directly. He was the one person she didn't want to deal with today. Normally their responsibilities kept them separated, but the normal events of today would be suspended.

He laughed out in response, staring down the back of his sister's head. "Magdalena, the perfect child. Up before dawn, even on Reaping Day." He snorted out. Rolling his eyes at her. "It's the one day we get to do what we want, why don't you enjoy it?"

She shook her head, adding more herbs to the tea and giving it a swirl.

Annoyed with her lack of response, he prodded on. "Come one Mags, you'll have the rest of your life to clean up and take care of men. At least take advantage of the days where nothing is expected of you."

Her eye twitched in response and she debated turning around and laying into him. Letting out her anger and frustration like he normally did. She shook her head, reminding herself that this day made people act out. They were all wounded crabs, stuck in a net, waiting for someone else's name to be called so they could return to the sea.

Another child's face poked out into the living quarters that led into their kitchen. Small feet pattered across the floor and took another seat next to their older brother. Mags flashed the small girl a smile and began to fill up their cups and began handing then. She was sure to skip her older brother, who shot her a glare.