Prologue
15th December, 2045
A cold piercing wind wheezed its way through the sedated town of Champaign. The humble wooden houses and rasping trees were laid over by the bleak sky. The town clock struck seven. Almost suddenly, the world burst into a spectrum of colours. Liquified sun filled itself into the faded paper-like sky; dewdrops sculpted into tiny globes of glass gleamed on flowers, leaves and cobwebs; and birds sirened their songs, commending the arrival of warmth and splendour. Even the graves stirred, sensing the gaiety and zeal in the world above.
Vittoria's eyes fluttered like the wings of a butterfly; slowly opening to reveal a pair of balmy hazel orbs. She rose from the bed with a puppet-like posture and staggered her way into the bathroom. After whisking her teeth and defecating herself, she turned on the shower. Water spurted out of the shower head and pattered on the plastic tub floor. Letting her nightgown slip, Vittoria stepped into the shower. She showered briskly, for she did not fancy being late on the last day of school before Christmas break.<I>The last day of school before Christmas break</I>, she choked. Her heart skip a beat, her stomach grow cold, breathing grew more rushed than before and a layer of cold sweat emerged on her body. She would receive her Determination Letter that day. A simple note in black and white that would change her life for ever.
