The Tradition

Chapter Two

"Alsephina? Alsephina, wake up!" Accelyn yells, yanking the blanket off my body.

I open my eyes to see Accely smiling widely at me with her large green eyes. I stretch my arms out and rub my eyes, reaching out one hand to gently pat her on the head.

"Good morning, baby," I say, embracing Accelyn.

"Is it true that you're gonna do the Tradition?" she asks.

I hesitate. "Er...yes. I am." Accelyn nods and pulls me out of bed and walks with me to the family room.

"Good morning, Alsephina," Papa greets me.

"Good morning," I say, and take a seat on the ground next to Papa's chair.

He opens the drawer and hands me an envelope.

"This came for you," he says and hands me the letter.

I take the envelope from his hands and look at it. The town coat of arms was stamped in a red wax seal. Curious, I tear the sealing open and read the letter inside. It's a form for the Tradition. I look up at Papa.

"Fill it out after breakfast," he responds.

"Okay," I say and tuck the paper into my pocket. I follow Accelyn to the kitchen and take a seat beside her at the table.

"Good morning, girls," Mama says, placing two bowls of milk and two slices of bread in front of us.

"Good morning, Mama," Accelyn and I respond in sync.

I hastily eat my breakfast and head back to my room. Taking the paper out of my pocket, I start to feel doubtful once again. I brush the uncertain thoughts away. I need to do this for my family. For Accelyn. I take a pen from my pouch and start filling out the form. There are so many questions. I keep on writing and writing, my pen making quiet scratching noises against the coarse paper. My hand aches, but I keep on writing.

After an hour or so, I sigh and put down the paper and pen. I have finished. Finally. I hear footsteps heading to my door and turn around. Accelyn skips into my room with a radiant smile plastered on her face.

"Hiya, Alsephina," she exclaims.

"Hi, baby. Do you need anything?" I respond.

"Didya finish the form?"

"Yea, I did."

I grab the paper and follow Accelyn back to the family room.

"Here, Papa. I filled it out," I say, handing the paper to Papa. He nods and gingerly stands up. I accompany him outside to our mailbox and watch him slip it into the slot.

"There. All done," he states as we watch the paper vanish into our mailbox.

I push the uneasy feeling in my stomach down and fake a smile. Accelyn wraps her arms around me and I rub her back.

"How long will you have to leave?" she asks.

I sigh. "I'm not sure, baby. We first have to wait and see if I get in."

She nods her head anxiously and takes a seat on the floor. I plop down beside her and she leans into me. We sit there for a moment, holding each other tight. We are inseparable...for now at least.