The Sunflower Keeper

The Coming of Age

A sliver of sunlight snuck into my room through the small opening between my purple curtains. Not a thing stirred in the empty space other than my thunderous heart. It almost seemed lifeless. It felt lifeless. 

My crinkled sheets only covered part of me allowing the early morning chill to take me captive. My toes were left to be eaten by the monster that did wandered my dreams. I realized it didn't live under my bed my fourth year, but that fear created by my dreams still existed. I pulled my knees to my chest, inhaling deep breaths.

Today was the day. 

It was time. 

I'd come of age, and there was nothing more I could do. 

The thoughts lingered in my mind, threatening to bring my tears to the surface. I couldn't cry. I wouldn't cry. 

My stomach felt like a tangled knot of nerves when I heard footsteps outside my room. A light flickered on, and that's what threw me over the edge. I just wanted to sit here, to be here. I wanted time to freeze, to stop. I didn't want my markings revealed. I wasn't ready. Not ready for the responsibility of being placed into society. I wasn't ready to be on my own. 

"Faith?" A slight tap on my door grabbed my attention. "Faith?" The voice asked a little louder. My mother peeped her head through the cracked door, smiling. "Today's the day. Time to get ready."

"Yeah. Yeah. I'm up." I ran my fingers through my hair, and rested my head on my knees. I inhaled the lavender smell that drifted through the air. 

In and out. I focused on my breathing. In and out.

"Sweetie. What's wrong? Aren't you excited? You know how society works. Each year the eighteenth years drink from the Fountain of the Flower. We believe that everyone is connected. Even though we are connected, it doesn't make us the same. Who we are and what place we are meant to have is expressed through the beautiful markings that cover our bodies. Today you will be taking your place in society. You will become a true member of Snoogle Society."

"But I like living here with you. With you, Dad, Trinity, and Gavin. I don't want to leave home. I'm not ready."

"Oh my dear, little snoogle. There's a whole district for you to explore. You can't stay in the nest all your life." She placed herself next to me. Her hands held mine as she gently kissed my forehead. "Today your markings will be revealed, and you're life will change forever. Change is scary sometimes, but it's also important to celebrate it. What would our lives be if they were always the same?" She patted me softly on the knee and flicked on the light, the brightness blinding me. Rubbing my eyes, I tried to ease the burning. 

As my sight returned, I looked my mom over. Her gorgeous markings ran up and down her body, disappearing beneath the seams of her clothes. They framed the outskirts of her face, and her navy blue hair flowed down to her waist, and her green eyes stared at me.

"How will I know who I am? What if I don't belong in the district I'm placed in?" Her eyes were fill with love and strength, and I knew she would try to understand. But she couldn't. Nobody would be able to detangle my thoughts. Not even me. 

"I was nervous too. Just try not to think about it. Everything will be okay. And if you do get transferred to another district. We will see each other on family day. The one day a year, where we can roam the different districts and be with family. So it won't be forever." She tugged me into her arms, and a wave of calm washed over me. "I love you. Always know that."

I slipped into a dress that exposed my back. The thin straps exposed my shoulders, allowing the world to be able to see when my markings edged themselves into my skin. My long dark, navy hair bounced on my shoulders. My light, blue eyes took in my reflection. 

I stepped toward the door and turned back to the life I was leaving behind. I smiled  as tears trickled down my cheeks. I stepped out of my room. A step closer to becoming  part of Snoogle Society.