The Tradition

Chapter One

The rocking of the crib is soft and peaceful, the gentle noise filling the house. I tenderly rock Accelyn back and forth humming an enchanting melody I had learned from Granny. Accelyn stirs in her sleep as I lightly touch her silky 5- year-old palms.

"Alsephina? Come here, darling," Mama says from the kitchen.

I stand up and let go of Accelyn's tiny hand. "Coming, Mama."

Walking over to the kitchen, I look over to see Mama cooking dinner and Papa reading a book in his favorite comfy chair.

"Sweetie, can you hand me the veggies?" Mama asks.

I nod and open the cupboard. Inside is a small bag of assorted vegetables. There is hardly enough to fill a tiny bowl. I hand Mama the bag as she thanks me.

"Alsephina, turn on the TV," Papa says.

I walk to where Papa sits, and take the dusty remote in my hand. I press the buttons and the old TV starts playing. A tall, slim man wearing a yellow suit talks into a microphone.

"Folks in the beautiful city of Aforia, we have some wonderful news. The Tradition will be starting in two weeks. Submit your applications by the end of the weekend!"

Papa turns to me. "Darling, you're now eligible to enter the Tradition. We should enroll your name," he offers. I shrug my shoulders and keep my eyes on the TV. The yellow man isn't done talking yet.

"There's more! We have increased the winning price this year! The winning person will get five thousand dollars. We hope this prize will encourage more young adults to join."

I widen my eyes. Five thousand dollars! That would help with Accelyn's hospital bills, a lot. We could finally get her the medication she needs. I turn around to face Papa.

"You're right," I say. "I will enter."

Papa closes his book and looks at me, delighted. "Are you sure, Alsephina?" he asks. He pauses and looks at me worriedly. "Once you decide there's no going back."

I muster a smile. "Don't worry, Papa. I'm sure of it." He nods his head and grins, but his eyes still reflect doubt and worry.

Tonight, during supper, we are all silent. Mama feeds Accelyn quietly. Papa chews his food without saying a word. I look at my plate which is placed before me. A meager meal of rice and a few beans are laid in the center of the antique plate. I gingerly pick up my spoon and start my meal.

After supper, I wash my plate and place it on a rack to dry. Kissing Mama, Papa, and Accelyn goodnight on the cheek, I scurry over to my room and sit on my musty bed. Staring at the ceiling, I wonder if enrolling in the Tradition would be a good choice. Every year, the eighteen-year-olds are asked to solve a real-life mystery. Since Aforia is known for its crimes, the city wants to give a chance to young adults. Whoever solves the murder, captures the robber, or solves whatever situation is placed before them, wins a prize.

I brush my hair out of my eyes. Am I ready for this? I felt apprehensive. Still, I was determined to win that prize.

I walk to our tiny bathroom and get ready for bed. Walking into my room, I turn off the lights and flop down on my bed. I pull the coarse blanket over my head and close my eyes. The dusty smell of my blankets and slight buzzing of my ceiling fan slowly fade away, as I lose myself to sleep.