The Twilight Line

Prologue

The Hostetler Estate Dec. 12, 2378 7:46 p.m.

“Emma, what if it doesn’t work? We will lose everything!” Tarren runs his hands through his thick dark hair and looks out the window, “What about our daughter? Don’t you care about what happens to her?” Emma’s heart breaks at the sound of distress in her husband’s voice, “You know I do honey, but what kind of life would she be living if we went on like this?” He sighs and collapses into a nearby chair. As much as Emma wants to comfort him she knows nothing she could say would work.

“You’re right baby… I just wish you weren’t. I wish this life was good enough for her.” He breaks down crying and Emma rushes forward to embrace him, “I know love, I know. But at least this way… She’ll have a chance.” I gaze lovingly into the sad green eyes of my husband. I know this is the last time I’ll ever be with him like this, so I drink him in. I was lucky to have known him. I was lucky to have married him. Now, I have to leave him. Worse, I have to leave our daughter, the one and only product of our love.

I kiss him deeply, and linger. “Until we meet again my love… In another life.” I pull away from him reluctantly and walk over to the bassinette holding our hopes and dreams. “My little angel, I hope you smile for me. I hope every day is brighter than the last. Most of all, I hope you are free to be who you truly are…” I lean down and kiss her, and an unwanted tear drops on her face. She stirs slightly before settling back into a peaceful sleep. Her breathing is steady, and she smiles sleepily.

Tears stream down Emma’s stone cold face. Though her heart is breaking, her resolve is strong. She knows what she must do, and she knows she does it for the people she loves most. Whatever happens tonight, she will die knowing she is protecting the ones she loves.

The Tannerly Court House Dec. 28, 2378 3:23 p.m.

“Emma Hostetler, you have been charged with treason. What say you?” An old man with a pair of gold rimmed spectacles peers over the large podium. “If fighting for freedom is trea-“ The judge slams his gavel down, “A simple answer Mrs. Hostetler! Guilty or not guilty will suffice! Now what say you?!” Emma sneers up at the judge, “I am guilty your honor.” As the guards drag her away she screams, “I am guilty of bringing down this stagnant society!”

Tarren holds back the tears as  they  drag his wife away. He can’t break down now. He holds their hope, and if they were to suspect him of being anything but an upstanding citizen they would take her. He must remain strong or Emma’s sacrifice would be for nothing. The bundle in his arms starts to squirms before letting out a mewl. “Don’t worry little one. You will always be safe. I’ll protect you.”

With his head held high and his broken heart buried in the sands of his past, he walks out of the court room. He doesn’t look back, because he knows what he’ll find. Her picture will be on the bulletin board, the board labeled death row. She will be marked a traitor to her kind, and he will carry the burden. This burden will break him someday, but not today. Today, it will make him strong. They will not break him yet, not while he still protects her. “Don’t worry Laney, Daddy is here.” He kisses his daughter and hopes someday she will be as strong as her mother.