Burning Sunflowers

Introduction

"Amity. And Dauntless."

"W-wait. No, no that's impossible." I stutter, my body still from shock.

"No, not impossible. Just extremely rare." She says, wringing her hands as she guides me to the back door. "You can't tell anyone about this. Not your family, friends, no one. Ever."

I stumble across the room, my head clouded with fog. This can't be happening.

"Got it?" She snaps. At this point I can't tell who's more nervous, her or I.

I nod, my neck stiff. "Yeah. I get it."

I watch as she grips the door handle, knuckles white like her shirt.

"Good." She states. A gentle hand pushes against my back, slowly forcing me out of the testing room. Before she can fully shut the door I whip my head around.

"Wait." I push my hand against the cool metal of the door. My palms slick with sweat. "We're supposed to trust the test. What do I do now? What do I choose?" I ask, my voice wobbling as I speak.

For the first time since I've met her, I watch as her blue eyes cast down, eyebrows furrowed by sadness.

"You're on your own." She says, closing the door fully. I stay still until I hear the lock click into place and footsteps echo through the space.

I'm on my own.

With a deep breath, I push off the wall and force my legs to work, one step at a time. Every few feet my long skirt will catch and I'll stumble forward. A groan escapes me as I grip the red and yellow fabric, cursing the skirt for being so lengthy.

I'm on my own.

I reach the outside faster than expected. The sun beams against my tan skin, a staple of Amity upbringing. Making my way slowly I finally reach a grand set of stairs. Already a few Amity kids are perched on ledges and sprawled over concrete. Each of us waiting for the trucks to take us back home. No one talks, uncharacteristic for my faction, but not unexpected on a day like this. Even those around me who haven't taken the test feel the weight around them. Some will lose their siblings tomorrow; brothers and sisters, once a loved annoyance become strangers in a matter of weeks.

My family has never known the sorrow this would bring, my two older siblings having chosen to stay in a peaceful faction. To stay in comfort and love. Even before they were born my parents made the decision to stay, as did theirs and those before them. Our lineage is rooted in Amity since the factions were made. It is expected that I will continue this tradition. Only I don't know if I can.

I'm on my own.

A soft hand wraps around my arm, shaking me from my thoughts.

"The trucks are here." A girl says next to me, a smile clear on her face. She can't be more than 12 years old. Her hair falls to her waist in dark brown curls, her eyes a matching color.

"Oh," I start. I plaster a fake smile on, not realizing that I let it slip off for so long. "Thank you." 

Taking her now outstretched hand I let her help me to my feet. Deep in my chest, I feel the rumble from the truck's engine.

I test my grip before pulling myself aboard the vehicle, others already crowding in the deep bed. Managing to find a foot or so of space I wiggle myself in, careful not to bump anyone in the process. Within moments the truck begins its travel, slowly taking us back to the farms we call home. Random songs float through the air around me, all sung slightly off-key.

Despite myself, I hum along.