The Dream Parade (Part One) - [On Hold]

Chapter 1: Secrets

It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.  

― Edgar Allan Poe

The voices came from far away. They were quiet but hostile. Familiar voices. The image of the strange machine which I had dreamed about only a few seconds ago subsided. As I awakened, I gained certainty that the voices which spoke in loud whispers outside my bedroom door belonged to my parents. I rubbed my eyes trying to gain a sense of place. Agitated footsteps marched around the apartment. Confused, I slid my feet out of bed and onto the soft, carpeted floor. I lay my hands flat on my thighs for support before daring to stand up. A moment of dizziness shook my head. A split second of nausea gripped my empty stomach. The voices continued their argument, seemingly unaware of my presence. Trying to breathe soundlessly, I tiptoed closer to the door and pressed my ear against the cold plastic. I had never heard adult citizens of the New World argue like this. It seemed serious.

"I'm going tomorrow. At least one of us has to be open to the truth!" I heard Dad say.

"Stop it!' Mom screeched. 'I'm not discussing this any more! Have you thought about Kimber? What happens to her if things go wrong?"

The sound of my name dropped heavily into the room. I couldn't understand why Mom had to drag me into the argument. There were many things about her that I couldn't understand. I let my body lean forward a little more to hear better when a familiar beeping sound made me draw a sharp breath only a half-second before my door slid open with a hiss, exposing my stealth listening. Mom was in tears. I had never seen her upset like this. Dad seemed shocked to find me home. I could tell that both felt betrayed.

"I got home early." I said as if that explained everything.

Mom stormed past me without a second glance and disappeared into the bathroom. I heard the lock click into place.

"Sorry." I whispered towards Dad. "My IB was too close to the door sensor. It was an accident."

"And how long were you going to stand on the other side of the door listening to us...talk?" Dad asked in a resigned tone of voice.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I should've let you guys know that class finished early."

"Yes. Wouldn't have killed you to send us a message. Technology certainly isn't holding you back."

I flinched as Dad's tired glance fell upon the Identification Bracelet on my wrist. He was right. It would have taken no time at all to send a voice message via IB.

"I didn't think. I went to lay down and fell asleep. I didn't mean to sneak around."

"Well, there's not much point worrying about it now."

One of Dad's sinewy arms roped around my shoulders in a forgiving gesture. He always had my back. I relaxed a little.

"I have homework." I said quickly to get out of the awkward situation. It was not a lie.

Dad nodded. "Better get on with it then. Talk at dinner."

I escaped back to my room. There were nearly two hours left until dinnertime. Embarrassed to my core, I vowed never to come home early again. I grabbed my Quantum-Pad and sat down at my desk. Scanning my fingerprint, the Q-Pad came to glowing life. I keyed in the ultra-safe password needed for full access to my personal apps and files. I had peace of mind knowing that my password would never be corrupted and that the secrets I shared with the device would be locked in place for all eternity. I left my fingers swipe over the learning app that came pre-installed on all Q-Pads issued by the New World education system. It was a convenient way to access all homework assignments and deadlines. The app also provided an exam timetable which included all relevant exam dates on compulsory and elective courses for each school year. The timetables were personalised and updated each school year based on individual learning choices. On the down side, school was always on my mind - and at my fingertips. A reminder popped up on the bottom left side of the screen: