Silent Sufferers

Hazel

Franks POV

I let go of the arrow, and it sped through the air before hitting the center of the target. 

Bullseye. 

"Grandma, can't I take a break now? Go let off some steam? You know I love Archery, but I've been at it for hours."

 Grandma shook her head. "If you want a break from archery, then take a run or lift some weights. You know the Draft is coming up soon, and they always pick Zhangs. And even if they don't, we need to work off that chubbiness of yours."

I looked down at myself. Grandma was right. I needed the exercise. 

And a little less snacks. 

"Fine, Fine, I'll take a run. Love you Grandma." 

I made my way from the backyard to the front and set off on a pace, starting slow then began to run faster. I knew I was going to be picked as a soldier. 

Zhangs always were. But this Zhang was prepared.

I felt bad for the soldiers leaving behind their sweethearts, and felt glad all the models that I had met were pretty, but never caught my eye. And there were those in the lower castes, taken away from their families who much needed the support. I started to run into the poorer areas, feeling sorrier and sorrier for those born into poverty. I passed a blonde girl holding groceries, an olive-skinned boy lifting boxes, a rich Two like me bending down to place a coin in an Eight's begging jar. 

And then I saw her. 

She was by-far the prettiest girl I'd ever seen. She pushed back her curly hair, painting in watercolors the scene in front of her. She had dark skin and eyes of gold. She had paint all over her clothes and a streak of glitter in her hair, and grass stains on her knees. She was a Five.

And I'd happily make her a Two.

"Hazel!" A girl next to her sneered. "Honestly, those don't even look like clouds! Get it right!"

"I'm sorry!" She said hurriedly .She glanced over and I tripped over the sidewalk, catching myself before I fell flat on my face. She giggled then stopped completely when she observed my expensive clothes and regal look, proclaiming my high status. I wished she didn't stop. 

She had the most wonderful laugh. 

"H-hey." I stuttered, feeling stupid and suddenly insecure. 

She hesitated. ".......Hi?"

"You're---I mean---You're art is---really good. It's really good." 

"Thanks." She flashed me a smile. I nearly died on the spot. She packed up her things and went inside, and I could feel my heart beating rapidly. 

I was fighter. Not a lover. And she was a five. 

But the forbiddenness made me love her more.