[Marie]
The clouds were sitting above me. Light creaked in through some patches here and there. But it didn't matter because the rain would arrive anytime soon. I sighed wondering when the next time the sun would appear but I knew that it wouldn't be for a while.
Many complaints of the weather had reached The government. Once approved, they had created and installed a fake sun floating above the village a couple of years ago.
Yep, installed a sun. As bizarre as it was, the Idea wasn't bad, but the execution was not well received. This act avoided the villagers from potentially rioting into the Capital and shutting down the factories that had been planted into the ground to make large quantities of materials.
Soon after the fake sun was put in place deaths had started to rise. Concerns over the light from the machinery had caused significant growth of cancers and other diseases within the human bodies. This later caused them to take down the large light in hopes that the Capital wouldn't be blamed for this. The cases were closed and nothing was further investigated leaving the trust of the capital at an all time low from the Villagers who lived outside the walls.
I hadn't been within close radius of the fake sun to give me any sorts of damage so I was completely fine. But on that day as they took it down, I felt a wave of depression come back even harder than before. The glimmer of vibrancy was better than nothing.
I look around at the townspeople. Less and less people have been around which has been quite concerning. I do know the reason why though. And its quite uncomfortable to think about.
The most common death is usually suicide. Neighbours, educators, shopkeepers, medical workers have been caught within the storm of blues and decided the fight was too much. Too many tears had been lost for the people who once roamed these streets.
I pause my steps to take in the world around me trying to uplift myself at the dark thought of death and decay. Everyone here didnt want to be here. Even I myself. But I didnt have a choice. Thompson was all I had. My only son.
As I walked across the gritty stone path, past all the brutalist geometric stone buildings that were lit up with broken electricals done poorly by the governmental electrical services, I see in one of the lit up windows was the silhouette of a child.
I stood in place for a moment staring into the window. The child was having fun. As I watched this happen, I smiled to myself that even in the darkest days, there was still some light and joy in the smallest corners of this village. This sight gave me the hope I needed. The hope I need for what I am about to do.
As I reached the steps towards the green emerald building that stares at me intimidatingly with it's detailed coral stones and rough exterior, I tried to relax my nervousness by taking multiple deep breaths. But it was barely working.
My hand darted to my temples hoping to steady it from the violent back and forth knocking headache I was experiencing.
I couldn't help but furrow my eyebrows in strain. It pulsated. And it didnt plan on stopping. I groaned quietly trying to hide the pain I was in.
When I walked into the council hall, I noticed that there was an empty reception. It was a quiet day today. The receptionist was someone I knew from frequent meeting. She waved to me and I waved back.
"How are you Marie? Are you alright with everything?" Rachel, the receptionist, asked me in a hushed tone. I gave her a quick nod along with a warped smile.
"My child... Thompson. He's sick. He's beginning to get worse and worse. And I've made multiple emails to the council but they haven't responded back."
"I need to see the council leader to ask about leaving to go to the border patrol to allow me to pick up supplies." I say quickly in a low tone. My skin is starting to itch more and more below my waist and I try not to scratch it due to the virus within my body but it's hard not to. I tugged at my skirt so that the fabric caressed my thigh, but it misses the spot. Irration slowly builds.
If I tried again, Rachel would notice and call for the police to take me into containment. But I can't allow them to take me away from my child, so I try my hardest to not look like there is a bug eating my body slowly. All my efforts now are in order for Thompson to live a long enough life that allows him to be free from this place. And happy. Just like that child I saw in the window.
"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. Come right through to the third floor. He's finishing up a meeting right now" Rachael said, "You can wait in front of his door. He'll be with you." Theres a warmth in her words that I haven't felt from anything else in this world before. A smile grew on my face before I headed to the third floor.
It was quite empty within the building, with little activity. I did like the silence and the ambient noise but something about the hollowness kept my hairs on end.
I stood nearby the double doors that had one ajar. I heard the deep raspy voice that is coming was from the council leader. Leonard had been the council leader for the last 5 years and had done a great job keeping the village safe from harm.
I peaked my head around the door to see him and I noticed that he's standing infront of his large glass window, that overlooked the vast landscape and the border in the far distance, while holding a phone to his ear.
I held and waited before I knocked, but before I did Leo swivelled around to look at me. I jolted at the sudden notice and he waved his hand in acknowledgement. His face was stern and his wrinkles were clearly showing. I gave him a brief smile before I turned around to sit on the chairs facing the door to his room.
As the silence crept in I try and not eavesdrop on whatever conversation he is having but it's very hard not too. His voice naturally projects in a way that anyone could hear from a far. I guess that's one of the disadvantages of being a leader. I start honing into his words that carry a heavy weight behind them.
"What do you mean? I told them... No no... I told the taskmaster about what happened"..."what the fuck? You can't do that? You can't do that!"... His voice is itching to shout but it's tamed, forced to be quiet to maintain a somewhat calm persona. I'm sure if there were any cracks within him that were revealed to the world, he'd be in trouble. It sounded stressful, and I'm sure the secret between me and him didn't make things easier.