Taken by the fog

The first calling

"Honey, wake up!" My mom's voice sounded worried. Why is she worried? What happened?
"Mom, it's winter break. Can you let me sleep? It's 4 a.m.!" I sounded grumpy. I'm not a morning person.
"The fog appeared." I shot up and looked confused.
"I thought they said it would arrive next week."
"I know but you were right. I'm sorry your father and I didn't believe you. We should've left after the last fog."

I flinched at the memory of the last fog. My uncle had been taken and my aunt crumbled under the pain. I had told my parents the fog would arrive sooner but no one seemed to believe me.
"I'll get dressed." I quickly changed clothes and went to wake up my little brother, "Time to wake up Jason." I shook the little boy awake.
"I don't want to get up." He whined.
"You have to Jason. The fog has appeared." No need to lie, right? His eyes turned fearful and I helped him get dressed. We walked downstairs and hugged everyone goodbye.

"Jen!" A male voice screamed as we made our way to the plaza.
"TJ! Have you seen the others?" I basically jumped in his arms. He shook his head in fear. When you're not at the calling, you're as good as doomed.
"Jen, you knew the fog would be earlier than expected. What if they take you?" He muttered in my ear.
"Don't worry, they won't take me. Even if they would, I'm a huge pain in the arse. I'd be back within a week. Otherwise, I'll find a way out." I tried to reassure him.

We arrived at the plaza before we knew it. We were all grouped together. Children, men, women, elders and the people who were ill. We were standing in a circle, awaiting our faith. The fog closed in the middle and we heard the heavy footsteps and the dragging of chains. The group walked towards the middle and started swinging their chains. Everyone stepped back to avoid the chains. Although we were brought up with the knowledge of not looking at the fog people, I had to take a peak. I saw Sam swinging his chain. Sam is or was TJ's brother, he was taken during the last fog. He looked completely in peace with the other people, wearing the same evil look on his face. I glared back at the floor before anyone noticed me watching.

After fifteen minutes their little 'routine' was over and everyone was awaiting the choices. I felt a burning on my wrist and a silver eagle burned his way on my skin. I'm doomed. I looked for TJ in the crowd. We locked eyes and he shook his head whereas I nodded. His face turned pale as he realized the consequence.
"Can you guys hurry up? It's freezing outside." I looked over my shoulder to look at the brave (stupid) voice. It was Jess. She is the biggest diva in school and is known for not keeping her mouth shut, in any way possible.
"One!" A deep voice buldered from the middle of the group. Sam turned around and threw the chain. The chain flew by my head and I felt my wrist burn. Jess was pulled towards the middle and disappeared in the fog. Three other chains were thrown, an older lady, a young boy and our PE teacher.

After the calling the square slowly emptied. I looked down at my wrist and saw the silver eagle etched on my skin. I pulled the scrunchie out of my hair and covered the eagle.
Next time, I won't be so lucky.

ᴥᴥᴥ