章 2: Journey Day (2)
We chose to walk to the zone to make sure to spend as much time together as possible since she wouldn't be allowed in.
Walking along the sidewalk, we held hands. I kept my head hung low, I didn't want to see the people around me. There were families walking all in the same direction. I didn't want to see any of the kids who will go on the Journey with their families. It would be too hard for me to keep my emotions in.
The silence in the air of the city read both despair and hope. The mixed feelings about the Journey made things uncomfortable. On the one hand, those who survive and make it are deemed worthy and helpful to society. But there's always the fear that you aren't going to be good enough and not return.
Our hands held to each other even when my hand began to tingle due to restricted blood flow.
We finally reached the city departure zone after about an hour walk. The building was a large square box that was about 3 stories high and grey inside and out. The entrance was crowded with families saying goodbye to their kids who have turned 16 this year. I turned to my mom and gave her the most heartfelt hug I ever had. I took a moment to make sure to memorize this moment and the feeling of her warmth around me and her smell of roses and fresh dirt.
"I love you." She told me.
"I love you too mom." I said with tears falling from my eyes.
We let go and just like that she turned around and began to make her way back home. I watched her turn the corner, then faced the building that would send me to the Journey.
I had to push through families to get through the big metal doors. The noise outside was shut out behind me. Inside, kids stood still in almost complete silence. In the back of the zone we're planes that were pointed to large doors. There were about 30 small planes. At the top of each wall of the building were screens that had a count down clock that said "12:37 until instructions". No wonder everyone was just standing blankly, we haven't been given instructions yet.
Forgetting that I was still standing in front of the door, it opens behind me, hitting the survival pack on my back, causing me to fall down. There was a moment of hesitation from the person who opened it and when the realized they hit me, they ran to my help.
"Holy crap I'm failing already, are you ok?" A hand reached out in front of me. I look up to a tall guy who had messy dirty blonde hair, tan skin, and golden eyes. Woah he's hot, I would love to have him in my group.
I reach out to take his hand as he helps me up. I pick up my survival bag and brush the dust off my pants.
"I'm so sorry, I seriously can't believe I walk through the door and I already messed up, I'm so sorry are you ok?" He was very concerned. I chuckled a little, he's worrying way too much already. I wonder if he's stressed for today and this is throwing him over the line.
"Don't worry, I'm ok, really. I was at fault standing in front of the door like that, I should've moved, no need to apologize so much." I said.
"So you're ok then? Good. I'm Asher." He says as he shakes my hand. He has a solid handshake, it's not leading too much but it's strong and sturdy. That's a good way to tell about someone character is what my mom always told me.
"I'm Cleo. I know we haven't been given instructions yet but from our parents we know it'll to be to find a group of 7. Would you like to get a head start on everyone and group together?" I ask.
Asher's face lit up.
"Of course! This is great!"
We both smiled.
Maybe the Journey wasn't going to be so bad after all if I can do it with someone as kind as him. The last 9 minutes pass.
"Welcome everyone!" The announcer begins over the intercoms. "There will be a 10 minute time period where everyone must form a group of 7. The short time period tests your ability of choice. Make sure to find the best people who will help you through Journey. After the 10 minutes are up, your group is to make their way to an autopilot plane that will take you all to the Journey. Good luck"
The timer on all the screens turn to "10:00" and begins to count down.
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