Adjourned

00

"Orderly file line."
He could perfectly recall the time his sister relentlessly screaming, refusing to be ushered by cold arms. He, as her own kin, own blood, watched with fear-stricken eyes. He didn't do anything.

"Thomas Knox."
Terror ran through his spine. He was called out.
Staring eyes locked onto his quivering form, quietly watching and waiting.

"H-here."
His lips faltered as his heart thumped wildly.
Cold sweat was never a good feeling. He hated it.

"Move to that line."
He made sure to be quiet with every step towards those listed out.

The boys next to him remained silent, heads hung low solemnly.

The lady in full battlesuit looked through sheets of paper filled with names, all who were taken and placed to God knows where. She still had more fishes to catch.

"John Perry."
"Indeed."

Intrigued, Thomas looked to John's direction.

Said lady glared John's way, who was grinning smugly.

"It is a basic requirement that you are able to answer accurately", her eyes unrelenting with resentment and anger, "Mr. Perry."

John stared, almost challenging her limits.

Tension was thick between their gazes, heavy and tight.

Thomas could only watch with fear of John's fate.

Within seconds, she smiled through perfect thin lips.
Thomas had never been so terrified of the lady clad in gear.

"Move to that line."

"Of course."
John winked good-naturedly at Thomas as he shuffled to his side. He had several cuts on his slightly tan face.

"Thomas, right?"
His whisper broke through his silent breakdown that was raging internally.

"Yeah. My name was called out."

His eyes seemed to twinkle, interest and curiosity imminent.

"Nice to meet you then, Thomas. I'm John as you've heard."
He couldn't help but grin at his new friend's ease amidst his growing fear.

"Loud and clear."