Rules

Every day, my town follows the same schedule. It varies depending on your age, but this is how most go:

undefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefined

Every day it’s the same cycle. Over and over again.

No one really knows what happens when someone doesn’t follow the schedule, but no one dares to try.

“I’ve heard bad rumors,” my sister, Phoebe, had warned before. “Cassie, take this seriously, please.”

Disobeying the rules is a hard topic for Pheobe to handle. Our mom died when she gave birth to me, and our dad disappeared shortly after. But I am determined to find him again.

Today I woke up at 5:30. It’s not normal for me. I can hear the food truck deliver our breakfast. Pheobe opened the door and took the food, silently closing the door behind her. I actually got out of bed at 6:00, like I’m supposed to. Now I’m standing in front of my bathroom mirror, scared to do what I’m about to do. Skip breakfast.

Meals are the one thing that the government individually assigns—the most suspicious requirement.

“Cassie!” Phoebe calls from the kitchen. “It’s time to eat!”

“Coming!” I call back, taking a deep breath.

Breakfast is prepared on the table when I enter the kitchen.

Today’s breakfast is eggs, bacon, and orange juice. I’m about to eat none of it.

I shove everything in my mouth, chugging the juice and somehow keeping it inside.

“Geez, you must be hungry today,” Phoebe notes.

I nod, pointing behind me, trying to tell her I need to get something. Before getting her response, I run to the bathroom, shutting the door and spitting out the food into the toilet.

I shudder.

I did it. I disobeyed the rules.

I leave the bathroom and head upstairs to grab my backpack, then sprint down the stairs.

I slowly approach the door, setting my hand on the handle.

“See you later!” Phoebe called when I opened the door.

“Yup,” I reply nervously.

I’m not sure if I will see her again.