The Society of One

Part 8

Rowan continues to hold on to me until I calm down. He leads me over to the small couch next to the window and sets me down. I hold his hand and he rubs my back soothingly. I try so hard to stay strong for the sake of my family. One mess up on my part may result in bad reflections on them.

Why did I have to get chosen? How can I fulfill the duties expected of me? What will happen to me and my family if I don't? I wonder why they don't let us know. It would provide some comfort to know. But I guess that comfort is something they could not afford.

Together we wait for the others to arrive. One by one, they begin to fill the empty space surrounding me. Graham is the first, followed by Mom waking up, then Ori and Beckett came home from school, and lastly my Father stepping through the front door.

He looks worn out, like an old cardigan that has been washed one to many times. I guess that happens when you give your life to the government, prepared to do anything they want on a whim. His job being a missionary doctor demands effort, usually without reward. He sees the pain that many don't.

Most think that the government has eliminated all problems and are happy to give up choice for happiness. I guess they are wrong. The only one that knows what is best for you is you, so how can the government give you happiness? They have the power to give you anything, but they also have the power to take it all away. I am not a rebel, I am happy to live under the radar. However, I am scared that with total control, there is corruption.

We all sit as a family silently for a few moments, content with our own thoughts. Then my father clears his throat. He begins "Today at work I got a mention that I would be transferred to York for three months. Apparently there's been an out break down there and they need expert help."

There's a collective gasp from the family and my mom is breaking down again, her shoulders hunched over. My brother Graham reaches over and rubs her back gently. My family doesn't deserve this.

"I am scheduled to leave at 8 am tomorrow. I know that is quick but there is no time to waste in this situation.", my father says quietly. We slowly take in this information and decide we better spend the time with both me and my father better.

"Well then, I guess we'd better get started before your gone. Who's up for a game of Down the River?", says Rowan. We all head to the kitchen table and he grabs the cards. We play three games and Graham wins two out of the three. We continue playing random card games, laughing at our silly mistakes.

I spend the night with my family, telling stories and laughing. After Ori and Beckett head to bed, the adults stay up reading and watching old videos of us as kids. I want to stay in this moment forever, harboring in the happiness that surrounds me.

A/N

Hey guys!! How's it going? Am I the only one that is noticing the back to school ads more often? Vote and comment!! I appreciate it. Thanks!!!