The Outside World

Chapter 1

In my house, and just about every other house out there, there is just one window. This solitary window is hidden behind a panel that slides open. Everyone is required to spend an hour in front of it. It doesn't matter if you're sick or tired. Everyday you need to spend an hour of your life just sitting there. I think it is their sick way of showing us what we can't have. As a child I would sit there on my mother's lap during her hour. But ever since I turned eight I've spent my time at the window alone. Once you turn eight it is required that you spend your hour alone. Most people hate the window hour. They rather have their Television Hour or Clothing Day. My sister loves Makeup Day. I, however, live for my Window Hour.

But this is where I am right now. Perched on the window sill with my legs dangling in the air. If I were to be caught I would surely be punished. My family would be somewhat lenient. Probably monitoring me during my time at the window. But if an official caught me I'd take 750 lashes to my bare back- or worse. Not to mention that my punishment would be broadcasted on the television. With a mandatory viewing for all citizens.

Despite all that I don't worry about being caught. Window viewing hours are made out to be sacred. Because of that, windows are placed in private areas. Apart from all other family members, our window is in the attic. Not to mention officials rarely pass by town unless forced to. They would rather spend their time by the palace. Where the air is rumored to be clean.

I sit here thinking back to the day I turned eight- everyone does. Before I could sit in front of the window I had to place my hand on the scanner for the first time. In order to ensure that citizens actually complete their window time we're required to pass through the scanner. First the beam of light passes over your eye. Recording your retina print. Then with your hand pressed against a metal plate the light passes over again. At the end you feel small stabs on each fingertip. I remember feeling giddy with excitement as I got scanned.

That was the first day I got to see the outside world alone. The first time I felt the wind caress my skin and flow through my hair. The first day I could stare out the window without hearing my mother's cautionary voice every single second of the hour. It was just me and the world yet to come.

I remember the anguish that flowed through my body once that short hour was over. A literal shock went through my body, notifying me that time was up. The panel slowly slid back into place mechanically. Sealing away my fate. I remember going back to my room and wishing I could go outside. But now I know the truth. I will never be able to step foot outside.

I will continue living my life inside my house. Just like everyone else does. Waiting for food and any other necessities to appear magically whenever needed. Trying to be content in my tiny gilded cage. This is the closest I will ever get to being outside. Sitting here with my legs dangling in the air. Never able to feel the grass beneath my toes.

Not everyone lives like this though. Some people actually get to be outside. There are the Officials, who are constantly trying to get their hands on a citizen who dares to break the rules. Then there are the royals. They don't ever have to limit themselves to a measly hour of the outside world. Afterall, they make the rules. Lastly there are the Chosen Ones. Those who are responsible for the food on our table, the clothes on our backs, and the roof over our heads.

I would die ten times over to become a Royal, Official, or a Chosen One. My Mother says I should be content with what I have. That some people don't even get to see the light of day. But all I can think about is the world outside that window.