Story Starters

The Foundation Of Amity

Get me out of here. Please. I can't take it anymore.

When I was three years old, the mayor of this town introduced the inoculation of micro-sensors into the bodies of the population. The sensors were created to help the town cooperate and keep peace. For example, if someone annoys you and you feel like punching or kicking them, the sensors will detect your blood pressure rising and will freeze your muscles and joints before you have a chance to act. After you've calmed down and the thought of attacking is gone, the sensors return to their normal state. Any tourists immediately go through the injection of the sensors and when they leave, the sensors are magnetically removed from their bodies. We know that day as the FOA (the Foundation Of Amity) and it is celebrated annually as one of the town's biggest holidays.

The technology of the sensors might sound like a brilliant idea, and keep a lot of incidents from happening, which I guess it does, but I can assure you, there hasn't been a day when I've actually appreciated the sensors in my bloodstream. This town's constant presence of peace and friendliness makes me want to slap every face I see. You can't blame me; I'm a teenage girl with hormones running through my veins like Usain Bolt. Sometimes I just need a little release of some heated emotions. I probably account for seventy-five percent of all of the sensors reactions combined. It's a wonder I'm able to move at all, considering how long it takes for me to calm down and how many times I freeze per day.

I had no choice though. I mean, I was three years old; it's not like I knew what was going on. My parents couldn't run faster when the injections were going on in Town Hall. I had sensors in me before I even knew it. My parents are strong believers in peace and harmony and they were huge supporters of the micro-sensors and celebrate the FOA with such pride every year.

I couldn't be more different to them. What I hate most is that these sensors mean that I am one of these people. To an onlooker, I'm just like everyone. I'm forced to smile and to be friendly and to restrain against conflict, just like everyone else, which I hate. I don't want to be like anyone in this town. I don't want to be known as friendly, kind and compassionate when it's not of my own instinct. I don't want to have to keep down all the emotions that make me who I am.