Without Flight

Part 9: Sarah September 22nd

The thickness in the air causes my head to spin. I have the strange feeling of Déjà vu but can't quite pin it. I had woken up in the hospital the day before although I have no memory of going there. Apparently I had been complaining of headaches and they wanted to take some tests. I can feel the pounding in my head begin again and wonder if the trip to the hospital has done more harm than good.

I have an uneasy feeling in my stomach. We are heading to the clearing. A local criminal would be made a spectacle for all of sector B52-12 to see. The crime listed on the prisoner was, treason, attempt to distribute bio hazardous chemical weapons and the worst: falling in love.

As instructed, we enter the stadium of the clearing, our stones neatly placed under our seats. Although it was not against the law to refrain from throwing your stone, it was highly encouraged and frowned upon otherwise.

I never have the courage to pick up the stones, but today I surprisingly find myself holding it my hand. The prisoner arrives after 3o minutes of us baking in the hot sun. His face plastered on the monitors show a messy set of dark hair and wise eyes. He seems kind enough and it is hard to imagine that he could commit so treacherous a crime. The sun hits my back as more people shuffle in. The monitor countdown begins and in 60 seconds we will throw our stones in honor of preserving our sector. The man next to me had clearly come straight from the university. He's desperately trying to get a good seat as a pile of books come toppling from his hand. The feeling of déjà vu sets in and it's a feeling I can't shake. I look around and see the hands raised, eager in anticipation. All hungry and ready to throw their stones and in that moment I cannot give a reason but my hand gently drops down as I leave the stone on the hot beating cement beneath my feet.