Beyond the Boundaries

7

7 - Weathering The Storm

The final six seconds of the game. The score was 42-29, Milo's team, an obvious win by them. Milo decided to take the final shot as a three, marking his spot on the court as the best player in all of Affluent basketball. He had scored 30 of 45 points in that game. Milo wasn't worried about Ben, that kid was the least of his concerns.

Having a team adapt to one of their plays after one possession was impressive, but it's unlikely like other teams. Other players will fumble more than them, no matter how high or low they are in the rankings. It was a scary start, but the entire team got through it. Milo was expecting this to be one of their next few wins, up to the end of the championship, where they had to try their hardest.

Unless having Jayden on the team would only drag them down. Despite it being next week, Milo couldn't worry anymore. He didn't want to worry himself, but Jayden—a kid he would see and look down on—was the only thing on his mind.

I hadn't seen my dad in so long. And the only time he wants to talk to me is when we're on the Affluent side. Sure, my parents always promised me a better life, and I can see now why. That wasn't a promise, it was more of a warning.

My dad got a job at the semi higher-up position at the Utopia Council. I can't hate him for wanting a better life for me, but I didn't want this life. The better life I wanted was the life outside of this "world."

How can people, on either side, believe that those painted skies are real? Why do they want me to keep secrets that might help the world as is? It might heal it—who knows? Well, we won't. Not until we try. Maybe Utopia knowing is for the best. This isn't the way to keep secrets, it'll only hurt more when people figure out about it.

"I'm sorry, Jayden." My dad apologized to me, as we sat in our new luxury home. The place was nothing short of breathtaking—a sprawling estate which settled in the heart of the tranquil town. The inside possesses towering columns and large, floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the beautiful green landscape outside. The house itself was crazy, mixing in modern design with a classic style that ran smoothly with everything else.

The grand hallway greeted us with its polished marble floors and an extensive staircase that led to the upper floors. Each room was perfectly decorated, with sleek furniture, golden and white chandeliers, and art pieces that ran across every wall.

The living room—marked above the entrance to it as a "Sanctuary of Comfort,"— with its oversized sofas and a fireplace that crackled softly, casting a warm glow around the room.

Inside the kitchen sat a private chef—the kitchen itself was a chef's dream. Equipped with luxury appliances and a massive island that could serve as the perfect spot for casual family gatherings—something I just couldn't wait for...

Our bedrooms were no less impressive, each one designed flawlessly. My room featured a king-sized bed with red velvet walls and white splatters of paint everywhere. On the chairs, the desks—everything in the room. I had a balcony that overlooked the evergreen trees standing outside the home.

It was all so beautiful, but wouldn't be able to cover up all the secrets the council was trying to keep me from.

Attempting to blind me with dollar signs, when just around the corner is the true reason why my family is here.

"No need to apologize." I said solemnly, "I'm sorry for putting us in this situation. It's all my fault our family has ended up here."

"You know, Jayden..." My dad began. "I've been trying to give this family a better life for years now. I'm sorry this is only one of the few times in your life that you get to see me. I barely got to see your brother too. And would you look at that, how fast time flies? He's gone from us."