The Parables

Eely - Precinct Five

Eely - Precinct Five

Huddled in the back of the car, I bring my knees to my chest and hug them tightly. A bitter wind blasts through a small hole in the window opposite me, which had only evolved an hour ago after a stone smashed into the window, driving a fragment of it onto my lap. Even though the hole is smaller than the size of a regular apple, it's still a gateway for the icy air to saturate the warm car. Although now, the warmth has fled into the atmosphere outside and has been replaced by a bitter chill that has brought out the goosebumps on my arms.

The blouse I'm wearing isn't very thick and my legs are exposed under my skirt so my whole body is beginning to freeze. The sentry is fine, with layers of black clothing that aren't even close to admitting in the frigid air whereas I'm trembling like a leaf in the back. My teeth are chattering and my legs are shaking. I'd do anything for a woollen blanket to wrap myself in. I sigh at the thought and pull my knees in tighter to my chest.

We've been on the road for over twelve hours. I'd managed to grab a couple of hours sleep, but my eyes are still tired and my body weak and weary. I'd watched the day transform into night then the sun consume the moon to install a new day into my life. Another day, that is, closer to The Parables. I shiver at the thought of the competition and rest my chin on my kneecaps. I don't know if Ma and Pa would be able to cope without me. Darius promised me he'd get them fresh fish, but I have no idea how long they'd be able to survive on that without getting sick of it or running out.

Glancing out of the window, I watch a ray of sunshine pierce through a cloud, then another and another. The sun is desperately trying to break through the wet and cold spell of weather, but has so far failed to even show its face let alone spare some heat. The sky comprises only of grey, dismal clouds, none of which having anything close to a silver lining. It's just a very dull morning. I hope it clears up later.

My mind flickers back to my family and I wonder how they're managing. Is it cold back in the village? If it is, are they warm enough? Has Nira stopped crying? Is Pa being brave for them all? Has Ma made a meal? Is there enough timber for the fire? Are Nira and Kernel alright going to school? Billions of questions flood into my mind, making me dizzy as they whir around and around. I grab onto the door handle to stop myself from falling forward or being sick. The sentry seems to notice my rash movement and tilts his rearview mirror so I can see his eyes in it.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Hmph." The sentry turns his mirror back again and focuses on driving.

Shivering, I gaze wistfully at the hole in the window as if I want to wish it away. I try it, closing my eyes, scrunching up my nose and envisioning the window before it were broken. Opening my eyes, my hopeful smile turns itself upside down as I can still see the hole. It wasn't that I expected it to work. I would've done anything to fix the hole, even if it is something utterly stupid and seemingly impossible.

Looking away from the window, I turn my attention to the windscreen. Out yonder, I can see the train station with its vast track and platform looming ahead. Sighing, I close my eyes and try to imagine what the train would be like. Would it be dirty and scruffy and cold like the Precincts? Or would it be comforting and posh and warm like The Commune? I prefer the latter so settle on that. If it's not what I imagine it to be, I shall be very disappointed.

A couple of minutes later, the car pulls up beside the platform. Another car is pulling away, leaving a girl standing there by herself. A few moments later, two adults approach her from behind. I watch them talk to her then lead her to the platform. Straight tresses of russet hair tumble down her back. Her eyes are of a similar shade and her expression is blank and difficult to read. I can't tell if she's happy or sad. Although, I highly doubt she's feeling any positive emotions.