The Apprenticeship

Suspension

Last night we went to one of my favorite places for dinner, Shey BBQ. It was great. I haven't felt this happy since before the ceremony. I miss my family a lot, luckily eleven years isn't too long and some programs allow you home for holidays.

My parents are making breakfast in the kitchen. I don't understand how sending me home is a punishment. Maybe Daniels just wanted me away for awhile, that dude has anger issues.

I walk downstairs and take a seat at the kitchen bar. My mom turns around, "Good morning Avery."

"Morning Mom."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Better than I have in two weeks." I don't mention the fact that for the last two weeks I have had to share a room with a snorer.

"That's good Avery. By the way, today I was thinking you might want to come to work with me? Maybe if you like it I can talk to someone to get you transferred?"

"Thanks Mom. I'll come with you."

"Oh good!"

We eat the scrambled eggs and bacon together, as a family. Sam walks down the stairs in his scrubs for work. I'm assuming that he wears something similar everyday. That must get boring, I then look down and remember my outfit.

•••

At the hospital, Mom shows me around the facility. I've been here a lot with Mom as a kid but, as an adult, it's different. Most the people aren't having fun, they're just doing as they should.

•••

At the end of the day, we've maybe helped a total of four people and I'm bored. I really don't want to be here anymore, I'm so happy we're leaving.

At home, it's not much better. I didn't realize how much freedom I actually had until I left, then came back. My parents want to dictate my every move, I know they care but, I was only gone two weeks. Sam was gone eleven years, why isn't he being smothered? Maybe because I'm leaving in a few days, he's not. Then we'll maybe see each other on holidays.

Home isn't much different from the office. I'm kind of happy that I'm in science, it's different.

(Day 3)

Mom wakes me up early in the morning, she's been called into work. It's maybe, 5am, and for some reason she expects me to go with her. At first I say no but, I'm already up so may as well. It's better than doing nothing for two hours.

At the hospital, my mom is expecting to do emergency surgery. Someone got shot in the arm. I didn't think we had guns anymore but, Mom assures me that they're on the black market. Gun control regulated after World War 5. Since guns caused the war. Unfortunately, it's causing more issues now that they're gone. More people are getting hurt than ever.

Mom finishes the surgery quickly. In an hour she's out and ready to work. I'm ready to go home. We're here for another nine hours. For once, I know how much my mom actually works. After work she comes home and cooks then repeat it the following day. It's impressive, especially on days like this.

(Day 4)

I remember about the dress I brought home for Mom. I quickly get it out of my back and run downstairs. Mom is off today so it's okay to bother her plus, it's 9am. Mom wants to relax all day.

"Avery, you brought it back?"

"I had to Mom. It was too important to leave."

"I have something for you, follow me."

Mom leads me upstairs to her and Dad's room. Inside she pulls out a little box, in the box is a machine that plays music. I've read about these in the archives. They were popular among young girls. I always wished to see one and here, my mom has one.

"It's beautiful!" I say excited.

She reaches for my hand, "Take this with you, Avery."

I nod and grab the box. I am so happy to have this.

(Day 6)

Yesterday was the same as the second day, work with Mom. Today, I prepare to go back. I had fun but, now I understand more. I know why I was sent home. It takes a certain type of discipline to complete any course of study.

I pack up my back, always one to be prepared. I leave out one outfit tomorrow and pack the rest away, wrapping one of the boxes with my clothes.

Tomorrow Gen comes back and I get taken back, I don't want to but, it's not my choice.

(Day 7)

Today starts with breakfast in bed. Gen will be here around lunch time. Then, I'll go back.

I anticipate it.