Haunt

Ch. 1 - Whispers of You

Three months before

There's something to be said of a place full of kindness and harmony. A place that violence has ceased to have contact with.

Amity, a warm welcoming community full of people ready to be cheerful.

I believe I've quoted that same exact phrase for the past eighteen years of my life and truthfully, the words have gone dry in my mouth. Picking the faction of my birth was a no brainer, though.

I was never smart enough for Erudite. I wasn't selfless like the Abnegation. I caught myself telling little white lies on a daily basis so Candor was out of the question. Dauntless always seemed intriguing to say the least. I admired their bravery and willingness to step in front of danger. It was a place I thought of often.

It became a reoccurring dream that never seemed to go away by just how real it actually was.

I realized that I was drifting off again when my younger sister, Kayla, pulled my hair, softly. I looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror and noticed that she was done combing my hair, a task she often liked to do.

Long, dark brown hair draped over my shoulder and gently, I ran my fingers through it to feel the softness.

"What were you thinking about this time?" She scoffs while putting the brush back into the side drawer. I let my hands fall limp in my lap, a light blush forming on my cheeks as I quickly shake my head.

"Daydreaming." It's a quick reply and one I know Kayla won't ask questions about because she has never been overly curious. I, on the other hand, have always been a little too curious.

This time, though she stares at me through the mirror with narrowed eyes. There's a long pause between the two of us and for a moment, I think she might question me on the matter. Quickly, I stand and grab her hand, leading her out of the bathroom and into my room.

The sun has crested over the hills and large beams of light pour in from the window. It is morning in Amity. The most beautiful time of day, in my opinion.

Voices creep their way up the stairs and Kayla and I both stop to listen. Mom and Dad talk amongst themselves, a seemingly casual conversation. We stay, waiting in the doorway, listening to their soft murmuring.

Dad begins talking a bit louder and his next few words ping in my ears, leaving a throbbing sensation behind.

"Joanna tells me that Dauntless initiation is to be held here."

I'm not sure what is said next, I just stare blankly at the air, processing what he just said.

Kayla tugs on my sleeve, indicating for me to follow her down the wooden stairs. My steps begin without hesitation, feeling a sudden urgency to know more about this new information.

Mother sits across the table from Dad, both eating a small portion of eggs. Dad stands at our sudden presence and walks to us to embrace us in one of his famous bear hugs. His arms encircle both Kayla and I with ease.

"Hi, daddy." Kayla giggles.

My cheek rests against his solid chest while my right arm comes around his back.

"Did my girls get a good nights rest?" His torso rumbles with his loud voice and I smile against his chest. "Yes, dad. How about you?"

He brings his hands up and claps us both on the back.

"Of course! So what do you two have planned for the day?" Dad steps away and takes his seat back at the table. Mom still hasn't said anything and I find that quite strange. But what is really bugging me is that Dauntless initiation was brought up in an Amity household. Our household to be specific.