Equilibrium

Chapter Five

Chapter 5

"Mistakes are lessons for the present and the future."

When I wake up every morning, it always takes me awhile to remember why I am not in my usual dorm in Gloom Academy. It feels so surreal that it was merely weeks ago that my only focus was school.

Every day in Camp Gloom starts off with having breakfast with Daryl, Collin and Theresa. Then we were ushered for Pain Containment. The pain starts to get easier as my body willingly absorbs and memorizes the feeling. In no time, we are taught to reflect the painful feeling through skin contact.

After an hour of Pain Containment, the three of us are separated to our respective lessons. Collin receives lessons on the biology of Light. Theresa and I are learning psychology to study on Light's common behaviour. The knowledge we are receiving will benefit us once we're sent to Light.

"Yes, Marcus?" Eric says when he sees me putting up my hand. Eric has experience in Light and he was the one who discovered Duke Quinn's identity.

"You said that Light didn't practise their gifts nowadays. Why is that?"

"To be honest, I have no clue. I think there are lesser gifted Light who still practises their old ways to teach the younger generation and most Light do not find their gift useful. But be aware that there are a small pool of Light who still do and once they make skin contact will you, they will notice something is wrong right away," Eric explains, closing the book he has been holding.

"Will they notice because we lack emotions? Or simply because we are of different races?" Theresa asks curiously.

"I don't know the answer to that too. My stay in Light was short and I made sure not to make a mistake that can potentially end the age of peace. You and Marcus have to avoid mistakes at all costs."

Eric continues to talk about Light. He had mentioned that the Light race is very talented and Eric had to pick up a skill to blend in.

"Tomorrow, I will teach you about creative writing. It is one of a Light art and is the simplest art for us to master. You're dismissed."

Theresa leaves for her extra hours of Pain Containment. Collin is still in his lesson so I have free time for myself. As usual, I make my way to my dorm to contact Janice.

I phone Janice every day at exactly five in the evening. Now that we learnt that we are Partners, we are required to get to know each other until we live under the same roof one day. Apparently, Partners are the only people we should open up to and confide in. Each person in Darkness is paired to ensure strong bloodline that can last for a long time.

"I received my Decision File today," Janice informs me after our exchanged greeting. "I chose the chemist option as my job."

I put my books on my study table and sit on the edge of the bed. "Congratulations. When will you start working?"

"Next Monday. I am going to move to Gloom in two days' time. Will you be free to meet me?"

"I apologize, but I can't."

"Oh." Janice doesn't know of my current situation. I am not allowed to tell her about a top secret plan and she knows that my job is currently confidential.

"I'll start working as a professor by next year. I'll come visit you once I return," I promise her.

"Thank you, Marcus. Have you heard that the government is planning for each couple to have two children now instead of one?"