Chronicles of Fear

Reflection of Joy

Well, this took forever to finish... Starting college has been hectic as hell but I'm finally beginning to get the hang of it. I might redo this part later, might not.... anyways, enjoy and let me know if there's anything you want to see in the next chapter!

The sunshine streaming through her window is what wakes her up today. Usually it's the sickeningly sweet smell of breakfast from downstairs but today it's the sunlight.

Throwing back the covers, Cecily sits up and stretches. The popping of her joints worries her a bit, as well as the light gray tinge to her skin. The doctors say that those are the first two symptoms of the Sickness.

She hurriedly pulls on a bright yellow sundress and practically races to the bathroom, nearly knocking over Felix.

"Easy there," he mumbles and straightens his shirt. "Don't want you to scuff up your dress." He stares at her face for a second, quirking an eyebrow. "Are you feeling okay?"

Cecily pushes past him and stretches her arm to the cupboard, reaching for the calming orange bottle. "I'll be fine in just a second." She pops one of the sky blue pills into her mouth and swallows, relishing in the warm fuzzy feeling that immediately washes over her body.

Turning back towards Felix, she grins widely and holds her arms out wide. "See? Right as rain." Felix simply rolls his eyes and nonchalantly waves as he goes downstairs. Cecily follows behind and smiles brightly at her parents. "Bye, Mum! Bye, Daddy! I'll be home in time for Revelry."

"Did you remember to take your VitaPill, darling?"

"Yes, Mum!"

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The streets of Duncaster burst with energy and light. No one hesitates to greet one another and above the electronic voices from the Telescreens, laughter rings through the air.

Cecily practically skips through the plaza, a wide smile plastered on her face.

It's hard to believe that all of these happy people are one missed VitaPill from a terrible demise.

She giggles at that thought.

"Good morning, love." The bobby strolling past tips his hat in her direction, a similar smile on his face. Cecily opens her mouth to respond when she feels a sharp pain behind her right eye. Hands flying up, she probes her temple and grits her teeth. It's now throbbing harshly and it feels like her eye is trying to push its way out of her socket.

"Are you feeling all right?"

"She looks a bit funny, Mummy."

"Shh, don't stare, darling. It's rude."

The world starts spinning, and Cecily can't seem to keep the sudden onslaught of sounds straight. The throbbing grows and she becomes hyper-aware of the stares and whispers of everyone around her. She vaguely feels something wet dripping down her face and arms as well.

"What's wrong with her?"

"Could it be..."

"No, that's impossible. We haven't had a Polli in months."

"Is that blood?"

"Cece?" The hands on her arms jolt her to a stop and she forces her one good eye to look at Felix. "There you are."

The bobby from before steps closer to them, his hand on his baton. "Everything fine, lad?" The suspicion in his voice is nearly enough to turn Cecily's blood to ice.