Run

Chapter 2

 I lay down on my ivory bed, staring at the ceiling. I can almost feel Mom, stroking my strawberry red hair. I count the little notches on my white ceiling, as I used to count the pebbles by the river near our house.

"Daddy, look at all these pebbles! I'm going to count all of them!" I yelled.

He peers over his shoulder and chuckles.

"Go for it Ruby, but it might take a while and don't say I didn't warn you!" He yells back.

The sky is luminous, and the water tickles my skin. Daddy is standing by the small house, watching me. His dirty blonde hair sticks up in all angles as the wind blows in his face, and Mommy is in the kitchen cooking something extra special for dinner. And I count the pebbles.

One...two...three...

I catch myself excessively pondering about my old life for a little too long. I Robbie calls for me and tells me to get ready to head out.

"Ruby, get ready to go! There is an execution gathering at the Blood Tower in 15 minutes!" Robbie calls out from down the hallway.

Oh no, not this again. Mr. Jacob punishes people in a building nicknamed, "The Blood Tower". Civilians are required to attend each punishment and execution, just so everyone can fear him. I quickly run to bathroom and brush out my hair. I then rush down the hallway, where Annie and Robbie are waiting for me.

All three of us walk with our heads faced towards the ground in a straight line. We must not look up. We must not create eye contact. We must not converse or communicate. Through my peripheral vision are people being beat down, and the red blood glistens in the sunlight. We finally arrive, and the glass doors automatically slide open. The cold air hits me, and everything is white. White walls, white floors, white machines.

Mr. Jacob steps onto the stage with his Navy blue tuxedo and slicked back hair. How can someone look so stunning, but yet so much hate on the inside?

"Attention civilians!" He exclaims.

Everyone looks up from their chairs, and all eyes are on the Mr. Jacob. The stage carpet is white, but there is visible blood stains all over it. He doesn't bother cleaning the carpet after all these year.

"Today is the execution of Mrs. Mary. She was seen wandering the streets after curfew AND not dressed in her uniform."

The audience just sits there, with straight blank faces.

"Now with that, let's get started," he says finally.

Ms. Mary's hands and feet are tied, and she's plopped in a white chair with a look of innocence on her face. I only recall seeing her a couple of times. She was sweet as sugar, and was always offering to help others. Mr. Jacob orders a man to hand him the whip, and then it begins.

Blood.

A deep red trickling down her skin.

The whip gripping on

The skin tears,

Flesh exposed.

A scream louder than a siren

Erupts from her trembling lips.

Crumbling.

Slowly.

She slowly crumbles to the floor.

Shaking.

And then there is silence.

Everyone just stares blankly, not even a hint of emotion is presented in their faces. Only Robbie winces at the sight, considering how soft he is.

But I must stare.

I must not show any signs of feelings.

I've witnessed executions numerous times and learned not to be frightened by these everyday things.