Expiration Date | ✓

~ CHAPTER 2

~ Two Possibilities that exist: we are alone in the universe or we are not. And both are equally terrifying.

Today is the fourth of may.

Last night I had these unusual images play in my mind while I slept. I think they are called dreams. Something that doesn't exist anymore.

I forced myself from my bed, disappointed in the fact I didn't pass while I was asleep. I changed my clothes into something comfortable then walk to the bathroom.

I didn't want to face my father, I felt he would be in deep pain knowing it was my last day. Although he doesn't show it, I know he's putting on a brave face for me.

I wish he didn't have to.
I wish I didn't have to.

I splash my face with cold water, feeling it trickle down my chin and into the sink. My arm erupts in goosebumps as my eyes suddenly feel more startled than awake.

I stare into the mirror at my own brown eyes and dark brown hair. My long eyelashes are from my mother's genes, while my olive skin comes from my father's.

I dry my face, glancing down at the stupid date on my arm before pulling down my sleeve all the way to my fingertips.

I walk out to the kitchen, looking for my dad when I see his white lab coat around his shoulders.

"Are you leaving?" I frown, my heart dropping.

He turns to me, his shoulders drop as he looks at me sadly, "I got called in this morning, but don't worry, I'll be home as soon as I can, okay?"

"but-" I mouth to myself, sighing.

"I promise." He says, putting his hands of my shoulders comfortably.

"What if- what if you don't come back in time? What if there's a fire or I slip or the roof-"

"Mae you will be okay, you will see me again." He cuts me off.

"How can you be so sure!? I have hours! Minuets!" I exclaimed, throwing hands up.

My father sighs,
"I know there's alot of unanswered question, sweetheart. And I know your scared, everyone is."

I felt my eyes start to water and burn as I try to hold them back. I will not cry, I can't, not again. There are so many questions I have that I needed him to answer right now.

Why are they forcing vaccines onto every citizen in Trigg? Why was the lady's eyes doing weird things on the camera? What are dreams and why did I have one? Why am I the only person who has had one? Why are we born with an expiry date? Is there a way to live past it? Change it? Is the date something we are actually born with or is it something man developed?

My dad obviously spots my tears starting to form on my bottom eyelid and pulls me in for a hug.
"Please don't cry."

"Your right. Crying won't stop my death. I just don't understand why." I hold myself together, letting one tear fall as I blink.

"I know why." My father sighs, letting me go.

"Please tell me, why is all this mandatory vaccination happening and why are we born with expiratory dates? We aren't products. We aren't packaged food that goes mouldy." I frown.

He turns to pick up his work bag before facing me again,
"That's the thing, Mae. We are products in this society. That is a fact and it's true whether you want to believe it or not. Their whole system is designed to decrease and stabilise the population."

"But the question is why? Why do they need to?" I ask. I felt my fingers curl up into fists, that's how I knew I was angered by this idea.
Years ago the earth had 7 billion people on it, what was so bad about that?

"I'm a doctor, I've heard the things they discuss... about everything. The dates your born with are random, there is so much about this system that no one knows about." He shakes his head.

I take a step forward, urging him to continue, "I want to know about it. Please. I'm going to die, I may as well know their intentions."

My father sadly forces a smile, "You will know, I probably won't even need to tell you."

I frown, completely thrown off on what he said. But before I could ask him what he meant, he had already gotten to the front door.

"Everything will be explained. I love you." Then he leaves, shutting the door behind him.

I ran to the door but I was too late, while my mind was busy processing his words, he had already started the engine. I watched his car drive away, leaving me in an empty garage.

"I love you too." I whisper back to him, hoping I'll get to say it one last time to his face.