I woke up this morning with a huge headache, mixed with the dread of the rest of the day I was sure that today would be a great day.
There is always a chance that my family will be chosen by The One. So on Tuesdays, we wait idly for the families to be called out by the unmasked men. My light blue gown bearing our last name blows in the wind lightly grazing my legs, as I look over at my mother, her white mask shining under the bright sun. I adjust my mask and hold my breath as we walk into the judgment hall then shuffle into our aisle. I look around to see that people are still walking in, just like emotionless puppets. Finally, the room is completely silent. The unmasked men file into the judgment hall, the leader was in the front of the line and also holding the list of families who should be attending today's judgment. The leader read from the scroll. “Taylor, Butler, Wilford, Gardner, Clark, Blate, Robinson, Tran, -” the man said, his voice shaking the room. Each family stood up when their last names were called. He did this each time to make sure everyone was present.“-White.” He finished. I rose, not looking anywhere but forward. My entire body shook with fear. As if on command, each family sat down simultaneously. Tuesdays are the only days I’m glad that we are required to wear our masks. Cold sweat drips down my face. I want to vomit. I grab my mothers hand and squeeze it but refuse to look at her. The oldest of the unmasked men steps forward and slides his half moon shaped glasses up his crooked nose, grabbing the dreaded list from the leader and he clears his throat. I bite my lip and blood seeps on to my tongue waiting for the dreaded words to fall from his mouth.
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