The Report (Part 1)

I don't know how I'm gonna tell her... Maybe leave a note in the morning while she's sleeping and then wait it out until 3? No... Me telling her goodnight shouldn't be the last time she see's me... Then again I might not have a choice... ugh I'm so lost... How am I supposed to leave her alone here? But I also cant ship her off...

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Zoe said from over my shoulder.

"Ach! Jesus Zoe... You scared me. I'm not thinking about to much, just setting up a weapon protocol. Want to help or are you still cooking?" I know she hates everything about weapons. I just said that to drive her off and let me think.

" Well... the oatmeal is on the stove... and I still need to bake biscuits... So bye!" She said as she bolted back into the house.

What will I do...

Then came another knock from the door. Ugh now what? As soon as we're in peril you guys decide to talk to us? Sorry no... But, I decided to open the door anyways.

" Hello?" I asked.

They weren't our usual visitors. This person had dark sunglasses on and beachy-looking shorts on. They had a black shirt on with a small patch right above his heart. It had a lambda on it, meaning he was a tax collector.

"I'm here for the yearly census. how many people live?" he asked

"My sister only." I reply

"And you are?" He looks over his glasses at me, almost sizing me up.

"Drafted. Leaving tomorrow. You can register me as deceased."

Did I just say that? Oh no... there is no going back now...

" Very well. Age and name?" he asked in his low monotone voice.

" Zoe Gale, age 13."

You see, some of the officials in The Middle have computerized implants in their brains to record information easier. I'm not sure how they work, but I think they have to think something happens, or information is processed for it to actually process. Well, apparently he is one of the computerized.

" Thank you. And your name and age?"

"Why would I tell you my name if I'm gonna be gone by tomorrow night?"

"Informational resource. I have to add you as an Informational resource." he said as if I was stupid.

" Well the name is Phoenix Gale, I'm 17 years of age, now if you would leave I believe my breakfast is done." I said and turned back into the house. I closed the door on his face, but I'm not sure he even noticed.

" Who was that?" Zoe asked once I got to the kitchen.

" Oh just the dammed census taker." I told her

" Well I'm glad you ran him off. I wasn't wanting to share this with anybody." She said as she set the food on the table.

" Mmm... Oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, and juice? where did you find this stuff?"

" I bartered for it. Found some medicinal berries in the woods and went from there!"

" Well where did you get the juice? That's not something they have at the market is it?

" No, I got sugar and apples from the forest. Then I made it! Now stop talking and eat! The foods going cold!"

" Jeez! you sound like a mom!" I said right before I stuffed my face full of oatmeal

" Just eat..." She said while rolling her eyes and taking a sip of her juice.

"Sowwy" I said with my mouth full

Man I'm gonna miss that, kid.

Well, it's night time already, and I'm setting up for tomorrow. All I need to do is write the note then leave. I had to constantly tell myself "She'll be fine" that so I wouldn't panic.

Pretty soon Zoe was asleep and I was packing a small bag of necessities, from extra food to spare cloths. After that I didn't have anything else to do. So I lied down and tried to catch some sleep, but none came. So I lied there awake... Waiting...

Shoot. I slept in... I don't even remember falling asleep. I hope Zoe isn't awake yet. If she is getting out is going to be impossible.

I slowly crept over to her room and peeked in. I could see her dark curls on her pillow and the slow rise and fall of her chest. That means I can still do this...

I went back to my room and pulled out a piece of paper. I found a pen and started writing;

Dear Zoe,

This is going to be hard, on both of us. So just let me explain.

The day that person showed up at our door, when I was sleeping, they had a letter for us. But once I read it's contents I decided not to show you. You already do so much I couldn't stand to stress you out even more.

The letter was a drafting notice. One of us has to go and report in town square to be taken away for an experiment. I don't know what for, and I didn't know what to do for quite some time. Between leaving you here alone or sending you away so you'd be safe, I couldn't decide. But then again there wasn't a complete promise you would be safe. Then when that census guy came, well, it was accidentally decided. I told him I had been drafted instead of "one of us", and put your name as the only resident in this home.

I'll be leaving today, they wanted us to meet in the town square at noon today. Please don't look for me either, I won't be there. I'm going to hide in the woods, but I can't promise I'll be back. So, please, keep the house sturdy and running for me?

I'll miss you always,

Phoenix, Your older sister and best friend.

Maybe that will through her off the trail for a little, and keep her safe.

I folded it up and set it on my pillow, perfect spot for her to see. Then, after an almost tearful goodbye, I grabbed my stuff and left the house.

It looks so small from outside. I'm going to miss it a lot.

Well, lets go find somewhere to wait till 3.