The brittle straw grass felt good on my back as I stared up at the sky.
"See that? The brightest star in the sky?"my mom asked, her golden hair falling in her face. I nod.
"That's Jupiter, the largest planet. Of course, Its not really a star, but some people call it a failed star."
"So its made of gas?" I asked. She nodded and smiled. Then, suddenly she got serious.
"On your Choosing Day," she started, her voice filled with worry, "you need to impress them with smarts, not strength. The smarts you show me every day. You understand?" I nodded again, not understanding why she suddenly brought up the topic. She smiled and took my hand as we walked inside the cramped apartment for dinner.
During dinner, I worked up the courage to ask about Dad. "What was his job?" My mom's face transformed into a mask.
"Navy crew," she said, tight-lipped. I knew the subject was closed for discussion.
"What job do you want to be?" she asked me, I knew to divert me off the subject of Dad.
"Tech," I said and she nodded.
"That's the right one for you." She looked happy that I knew what I wanted.
In my room that night, I tried to read my book, but I couldn't focus. I kept thinking about Dad. Was he like me? Or was he more like Mom? Where was he now? And why did he leave?
YOU ARE READING
Rise Up
Science FictionIn 2056, the United States is at war with China and the country is completely militarized. The story follows 5 teens, growing up in the new, oppressive government, who each obtain a spot in the military. Each have incredibly different stories, but t...
