365 Riddles

Chapter 1

I hear the 21st century was the best. They think that the 22nd century would be flawless. After the tornado, everything was distroyed. We have no idea as to what happened. There are plenty of thories, though. Our society believes in testing the youth's intelligence before the get to live their own life; if they survive the three year intelligence test. Soon, I will take the test. Relatives are not allowed to talk about how to survive or watch. I have not talked to my older friends since before they began the test. I only have a week before I start.

"Honey, it's breakfast time!,"called Mom.

"Coming!"

I pack up my bag of my items I can't live without. Today I will have to sleep at school, for tomorrow is The Beginning Ceremony. My older brother has gone to The Beginning, but the siblings and parents aren't allowed to go. I don't have any idea to how it works. It's all a surprise. I walk down the stone stairs for the last time in three years. They feel colder than normal. I walk through the door to the cramped kitchen. The table was full with waffles, fruit, pancakes, and plenty of UFO's; Unidentifiated Food Objects.

"Mom, why all the food?"

"It's a big day for you!"

Mom cooks a lot when she is nervous. I can tell she is nervous. I can't remember if she cooked like this for Jackson's Beginning Ceremony. But, I ate as much as I could. When the time is right, I say good-bye to mom. I won't see her or any relatives untill three years later.

Mom kisses me on the forehead and says, "I love you no matter what happens." Then, she smiles.

I walk slowly out of the front door and look at my square stone house for the last time in three years. I walk to the the nearest bus stop. When the bus comes, I unzip my bag and pull out a bus ticket and hand it to the driver. I get on and sit in an empty seat. I stare out the window and wonder how Jackson is doing in his final year of the intelligence test.