They Chose Me (Draft 1)

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

                After I got to use the bathroom and was left with my dinner (my food with some iron, of course), Violet traded shifts with my night official. She told me she’d be back early in the morning and not to wait for her. Ha, if I could. I doubt I’m not going to get any sleep until she comes back. It’s like the day before Christmas, the excitement running through your nerves turning on their own Christmas lights.

                I also noted that although my food still has meat and other types of food with iron, there appears to be less food with iron than before. Always use what you already know, Emma, my mom would say. Judging from the decreasing amount of iron meals, it could mean they’re nearing the point where they no longer need me. In other words, hopefully we get an escape plan soon.

                When I move my head to lie down, little specks of black crowd the corner of vision. Not a good sign. Same with the headache that slowly forms in my head. I decide it is best that I eat first, and then rest. If the excitement or nightmares don’t become my centurion without the whole Romans and one hundred thing. Ahh, never mind.

                Sleep does come eventually. It arrives at my door without knocking or ringing the doorbell, so I have no way to stop it. I don’t want to see the nightmares that sit and watch me as if I’m prey.

We sit on the left side of the silver river. Mom told me that the water isn’t actually silver; it was just reflecting the cloudy sky above. But I like to think it is. Why not imagine?

                “Emma, come over here. Not too deep into the woods,” my mom said after I got up and tried to see where the river led.

                “Why not?” I complain in my seven-year-old voice.

                “Just come sit down and have lunch.” Stubbornly, I cross my arms over my chest and look at the river again.

                “Emma, why are you being so stubborn? It’s just lunch,” my dad said. Reluctantly, I sat down next to my twelve-year-old sister. 

                We began eating lunch and enjoying our time before a lady appeared at the edge of the woods. I was the only one to notice first and I narrowed my eyes at her. It’s my family’s picnic, not yours, I thought. But she just smiled and walked over.

                “Mrs. Roche, fancy seeing you here. May we talk?” She asked politely.

                “Mary, can we wait until the scheduled time?” My mom responds with the same politeness.

                “Unfortunately, building arrangements have changed for the apartments. We also had an interference with the officials. It will be quick. You can bring your family if you wish,” Mary said as my mom looked at Dad and then glanced at us.

                “Mom, what is she talking about?” Rose whispered to mom.

                “The reason the woods are forbidden to you two for now. I’ve been working on a project. I’ll show you, I guess.” My mom got up and helped my dad fold the cheesy red and white checkered blanket as I assisted my sister putting the food away. After that, I followed my mom through the woods with my dad, sister, and Mary.

                In the expanse of land, an enormous white building rose behind a gate with a fence running the perimeter.

                “This is what I’ve been working on,” she admitted with some pride