The Serum

Chapter Two

I had thought that it was the best day of my life.

In the newspapers that I scavenged from the trash cans around the city, I saw an advertisement from a respectable firm "seeking healthy volunteers". The salary would be an exorbitant price, enough to feed my family for months.

I signed up, of course.

I dashed straight home, only stopping to pick flowers for Clara, like I normally would. After that, the meadows ended and the forest began. Anyone else might have been scared away by the forest, making it prime real estate for anyone who might've liked privacy. I continued making my way through the dark forest, through the the trail I knew so well.

By the time I got home, I was panting slightly. Our little cottage in the middle of the woods was like something out of a fairytale, small and slightly run-down, resting in the center of a clearing.

I dashed into the house, giving Clara her flowers. She smiled happily at me, before she got to work making her beloved flower crowns. At this time, Mother would still be at work, collecting scrap materials for the recycling plants. She worked extra hours and did odd jobs just so I didn't have to. She wanted me to be able to enjoy my childhood as long as possible.

I stopped, grabbed one of Father's old pens, before taking a small piece of scrap paper and writing,

Mother, I found a job. The pay would be sent to you tomorrow. See you soon! Love, Corin.

I left the note on the dining table, where I know Mother would definitely see it. I gave Clara a hug, telling her gently, "I may be back a bit late tonight. Tell ma not to worry!" I dashed out the door, sprinting to the address as fast as I could.

But now, I'll never see them again.