The Box Paradox | ✅

Chapter 6

There is a buzzing excitement going through me as I stand to watch the rocket launch. Shaggy is literally peeing his pants next to me, red with excitement. I know that he is too far-gone already. There is nothing I can do to stop his hyperactivity.

The booming speakers tell us to cover our earmuffs with our hands. I do so, closing my eyes, waiting for the moment I will turn deaf. The rumbling starts beneath our feet, gradually building until it feels like we're in an earthquake. The cheer of the immense crowd around us heightens until everyone is screaming, everyone is jumping around, everyone is celebrating this wonderful day.

Ok, good. I'm not deaf yet.

I open my eyes and gasp as the sky is blocked from view by the vessel. I can't see them but inside I know there are eighteen-year-olds and older, readying themselves to find the worlds beyond the stars.

I look over at Shaggy, the lake twinkling behind him in the sunlight, thinking about the plan he told me last night. He is still looking with awe at the rocket as though it is his idol. I press myself towards him.

"Shaggy," I whisper but the roaring of the crowd is too loud, even with the earmuffs. "Shaggy." I say a bit louder, and his head turns to me, face burning.

What? He mouths.

The plan. I mouth back.

He nods, turning his head back to the rocket. The small box with a red button beneath his shirt makes a bump. Connected to it are wires that run into the floor, but there are so many people crammed around us that no one notices. He fingers it, breathing hard.

One... two...

His hand slams down on the button.

**