The Village

Chapter 7: The Object

I can't tell exactly what it is. That's a first.

How do I describe it? It was grey. It had wings like a bird. It soared through the sky flawlessly, leaving a trail of smoke behind it.

A hatch opened and it dropped something with a parachute. I climb to the top of the nearest house to catch the package.

Sophie! I came out here for a reason! Again, I'll have to look at this later.
I throw it into my room as soon as I get into my house.

"Sophie!" I shout. "Where are you?"

About fifty people dispense from the town hall.
The meeting is over.

I want to go home. I've had enough of everything.

I see mom. Do I want to talk right now?
Too late.

"Lucy! Listen, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about running for mayor," She stated.
"I -" I began.
"I know, it's okay if you're mad at me. We can -"
"Mom, I'm not mad."
"You're not?"
"No. But, I am tired so can I take a nap?"
"Sure. I'll be right home. I just have something to do real quick."
"Ok. See you at home."

I walk home, stopping to look around every corner to find Sophie.
No sign of her.

I remember the object as I walk through the door. How can I take a nap now?

I rushed to my room and find the package. I tear the paper off to find a rectangular-shaped, black, shiny item.

I don't know what to do with it.
"Umm," I'm thinking out loud. "What does this button do?"

I pressed the button and what seems to be a screen lit up. It showed some numbers on the screen. 11:27
"Oh! It's the time!"

It reads:
Sunday, October 27

How does it know what day it is?
I don't see anything else I can do with it now. I'll look again later.

I put it under my bed.

I can't tell anyone about this. This is a secret that I'll have to keep to myself.

The case!
I feel for it under my bed. Finally, I feel cold metal with a handle attached. I bring it out on top of my bed.

"Honey, I'm home!" Mom yells from downstairs.
She walks up to my bedroom door.

I quickly cover the case with my blanket and lay on top of it.

"Hey mom," I blurt out.

"Are you okay? I thought you were going to take a nap."

"I was but," I try to think of an excuse. "But I remembered that I had to ask you what our job was. So, umm, what are we supposed to do?"

"Oh. We actually got a different job than the rest of our side of the village. Mayor Blur said that since you and Sophie are such good friends, you get to help her feel better."

"Oh, okay then. I'll just take a nap now then."

"Okay. Sleep tight."