The Tale of Pet

Chapter 1

I wake up in my bed and stretch forward, arching my back. I get up and turn on my projector playing my schedule for the day.

"Good Morning P3-W8. Here is your schedule today.

1. Exercise

2. Bathroom Routine

3. Eat

4. Family Talk

5. Report to your Learning Facility

Would you like to hear the latest news?"

"Good Morning Pino. Yes."

"Very Good! The Eastern president has declared our 297th anniversary since the Grand War! Isn't that great P3-W8?"

"Yes Pino. Any tips on how to say goodbye?" I ask as I stretch my muscles getting ready for my workout.

"Put on a smile and be happy to leave. Show your family how happy you are to go to the transfer center!"

"Thanks Pino. I'm ready for my exercise routine."

"Very good. Start with 20 crunches."

I finish my 30 minutes of exercise and head to the bathroom for my cleansing. I relieve myself and step into the chamber. The water sprays on me for about 30 seconds and suds come out of the dispensers coating me in bubbles before I get sprayed down again. The dryer kicks in and I warm air surrounds me. I step out all clean and put the brusher in my mouth. Once a minute has passed as Pino reminded me of the protocol.

Pino chose the Pink outfit for me which is a short fit and flare dress with a brown belt, choker, thigh-high socks, and little black flats. Ibraid my hair down across my shoulder, the dirty blonde and brown hair shiningin the fluorescent lights. I head down the stairs for Breakfast and Family Talk.

"Smile." Pino reminded me. I forced a smile on my face as my family stepped out of our rooms at the same time.

"Good Morning Toca. How did you sleep?"

"Good Morning Mom. I slept fine. You?"

"It wasn't very good. Pino kept insisting I have another child with your father, but I wasn't in the mood."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Was Dad in the mood?"

"Oh definitely, which is why I had to endure Pino's buzzing. I was chosen for family role for a reason. They want me to have many children."

"The West?"

"Yes. They rule us over here as well. I was brainwashed as a child, being told that it was great over here, that I didn't need the West. That is why you need to go. Toca, you must be chosen, for your sake. "

"I will Mom. Thank you."

We walked down to the community cafeteria as a group. Our pellets were dispensed in a bowl and water was filled in a glass by a machine. We all got our plates and sat down. Mom and Dad sat across from me and my sister and we ate in silence until our pellets and water were gone and Pino told us we could leave.  

Family time came and we were seated in our community shelter to have our discussion of the day. Pino's voice spoke up to all of us. "Today's family talk shall be about the transfer of P3-W8, S2-B9's graduation of 3rd year, S9-B6 job anniversary, and B2-B7's 20th year of raising. We are also celebrating our 297th anniversary of the Great War. Please congratulate our world, the west, and our people for our rehabilitation."

Throughout the Community shelter, there are sounds of cheering and applaud. The families then start to converse at the beep on Pino.

"Toca..." my father started, "be safe. If you don't come back to us... have a good life."

"I will father. Perhaps I will see you again soon."

"Toca! Do not talk like that! You won't see us again. Not ever. You WILL transfer and you WILL become part of the West. I love you. If we see you again, it means you failed and we don't fail." My mother scolded.

"Mother, I was just stating the obvious. There is a chance I could see you again, even if I do pass. It is not unheard of that transfers can see their family units again before they leave. Maybe I won't pass, but I will try my best. That is all I can promise you, Mother.'

"My apologies Toca, you are right. Please do well."

"Congratulations on passing 3rd year, Talia!" I exclaim.

"Thanks, Toca. Congrats to you too," she replied.

Mom and Dad looked to each other and smiled, no doubt proud of their children. They are pleased with us, as well is our community. Pino spoke up after some time of discussion, "Time to fulfill your duties. P3-W8, please proceed to learning facility 0." I walk to the learning facility and take my post.

The Professor enters shortly after we all take our posts and we sit. "Good Morning, Class." his raspy voice echoes through the hall. "Good Morning, Professor." We call out in unison.

"Might I say, congratulations to all those who have passed. You may now, at the chime of Pino, proceed to the transport ship."

The room was tense as we awaited our Pino's chime. My classmates stood up one-by-one, right after another. Three rows, 10 per row, and 10 haven't passed. That's 1/3. The rest of the room is holding their breath, waiting for their ping, for we know if we don't hear it we have no chance to leave the East. We will be shamed and put in a lower community. It isn't a problem if you fail the transfer after you pass your final year. I HAVE to pass my final year.

Through my panic, it caught me by surprise to hear a beep ring in my head. My eyes widen and I relax as I rise and my feet carry me to the transport ship. I made it. I passed my final year. I am going to the Transfer Center. I will be tested for the West. I will make it.