Equilibrium

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

"You are forbidden to lie, even if it is to yourself."

"Good evening. Is this Janice?" I ask into the receiver, holding onto a little piece of paper containing her phone number from my Decision File.

"Yes, it's me. May I know who is speaking?" a soft high pitched voice replies from the other end of the line.

"My name is Marcus. I am aware that you have not received your Decision File yet, but I have mine earlier. I am your Partner. Unfortunately, I'm unable to perform my duties as a Partner until probably next year."

Janice clearly knows which questions are right to ask and which questions are the ones I am forbidden to answer.

"Oh... how much do you know about me, Marcus? And what should I know about you?"

I nod although I know she can't see me. "I know that you have a passion for Chemistry and you plan set up your own project to create a new type of fertilizer to help with the growth of endangered tree species called meranti sp. Am I correct?"

"I was close to getting the perfect formula," she corrects me. "It's not perfect but it certainly gives a positive outcome. What are your specialities, Marcus?"

"I am interested in the study of emotions," I say, looking at my watch. I have another ten more minutes before it is time for dinner.

"Emotion Containment is my weakest subject," Janice admits. "They do not make any sense to me unlike Chemistry. Where do you reside, Marcus?"

"Gloom District. You?"

"Stygian District. I'm planning to migrate to Gloom since Chemistry Department in Gloom has the facilities needed for flora research. Maybe by then, we can meet up," she suggests.

"That would be splendid, Janice."

We talk a little bit more before we say our goodbyes and I promise to call her soon.

Collin and Daryl are already in the large crowded cafeteria sitting in a round table with their food in front of them, still untouched. I can tell that they were waiting for me while talking. I hurry over to join the queue of people wearing grey Wall National Guards' uniform to retrieve my meal. Collin and I are the only ones who are wearing black formal attire in the cafeteria.

"Hello," I greet them, taking a seat in between Collin and an empty chair. The cafeteria is buzzing with light conversation among Wall National Guards.

"Hello. Theresa has come down with a fever so she is unable to join us for dinner," Collin tells me.

"It's not unusual," Daryl says. "Whoever is not used to the Emotion Machine at the beginning will have symptoms such as fever, flu and chills. It is not terminal; Theresa will heal over time."

I nod and unwrap the plastic of my sandwich. I hope she gets well soon.

"Daryl was just telling me about our portrayal as a family. I am supposed to be a father, the head of the family," Collin says and then takes a bite of his steak.

"And as a head of the family, he's responsible in providing income to the family. Theresa is going to act as a mother to you and a wife to Collin. Usually, married Light women have a choice whether they want to stay at home to do the house chores and raise children or have a job."

"Wife? Don't you mean Partner?" I interrupt, glancing at Daryl for confirmation.

"They refer the term Partners as wives or husbands after legal marriage. Unlike us, they pick their own husband and wife out of love or even arranged marriage."