Adamalda's Glen

Adamalda's Glen: Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Dry leaves and twigs crunched and snapped under my boots as I fled through the thick foliage. I began to sprint faster, flinching as my bright red hair flitted in front of my face. Finally, I reached the little fall that God had laid gingerly over a large wall of rock. The cool, clean water rushed over the wall easily and I stuck my hand under the flow, watching as the water parted beneath and then spun back together. I sat neatly by the side of the falls and removed my boots from my aching feet. Upon setting my boots and socks aside, I dug my numb feet into the pool, shivering at the temperature of the liquid.

I peered down at the ground around my sitting place. Mushrooms of all different sizes and shapes were scattered throughout the grassy floor. Among the fungi were a variety of leaves and twigs; some cracked and crunched, others crisp and new. I casually leaned forward clutching a large, bronzed leaf that was rising straight upward out of a pile of some other petiole.

 I stroked the leaf lightly, admiring the waxy texture and rough stem with the pads of my fingers. I glanced down to a few other leaves scattered near me, realizing how different they each were compared to the others. Memories of earlier that day flooded my mind, leaving me a bit winded and dizzy from the thoughts. How was I supposed to know that speaking my mind would get me in such a tussle? I knew that expressing individuality in Briar was not exactly encouraged, but I didn't know writing my report on it would get me licked.

For my Language class, we were instructed to write a report on our thoughts of how the government can improve in our land of Briar. Most people wrote their reports on monotonous topics like "How Our Government Changing Household Visiting Time to Only One Hour Would Improve Welfare" or "How Females Should Not Have The Same Schooling as Males Because They Do Not Work After Schooling is Finished". I had chosen to write my report on "How Individuality Should Be Supported in Briar" because it is more interesting and it would be something for our government to actually think about and consider. I hadn't even gotten halfway through reading my report out loud when my teacher reported me to the headmaster for risky and suspicious behavior. After my licking, this is where I showed up. This is my safe haven.

I couldn't even imagine what might happen when I got home. I was sure that my parents had already been notified of my behavior which terrified me. I could already feel my father's vexation boring into me, even from afar. My father was very strict and he wasn't afraid to let anyone know who was boss, especially towards my mother. And my mother was just so timid! It was almost unbelievable how she let's my father control her like a puppy. But that is kind of how it was in Briar, women weren't treated very well. I didn't like it and I'm sure I was not alone with that thought, but no one showed it then because it's scary to show how you really felt; anything can get you into trouble. Truly anything.