Safe

Chapter 2 The Real Florida

I woke up this morning with the most reluctant walk you could imagine. Today is The Ceremony, and I have to go. Or else I'm Exited.
  
I sat on my bed for five minutes straight mentally preparing myself for the Ceremony, mentally preparing myself for the depressing feeling I get when they welcome new Safe residents. They will live alone after they are 4 and leave their School. I don't really remember living with others but I am sure it wasn't terrible.
  
It is awful living alone. But we have to live alone. Or else we are Exited.
  
I snapped back to reality and looked around at my small house.

The bathroom is two strides away and the kitchen and dining room are a little to my left. My closet is right next to my bed and there lies my worst enemy, my Bow. So certain of itself. So mind capturing. So great at giving you the feeling that you are safe.

For someone who isn't different.
  
I finally convinced myself to walk up to my closet and change into my clothes. Same outfit as always. I grabbed the Bow and walked to the bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror and splashed my face with water as the coldness of the water fully awakened me. I carefully folded the Bow and tied it around my head so it would be perfectly on, just how They want it.
  
Then I looked at the mirror. But I didn't see me. I saw a girl. and her name was Florida. She was olive colored skin and almond colored hair. She looked exactly like everyone else, and even looked like me. But she wasn't me. She was safe. Her eyes looked like they belonged. Her Bow tied carefully around her head showed that she adored Them. She was problem free. A careless 17 year old. She follows the rules. She loves where she lives. And she is not Different.
  
Then she blinks. Then Florida snatches off her Bow. And then I smile. I see myself. I see the real Florida. A rebellious 17 year old who is smart. One who is always on her toes. I smooth down my hair. This is me. The real Florida. Because I am different. But I like different.

Even though different will get me Exited.