Jessica Yang Kirkeby English 2 Period 6 12 December 2012 Or So I Thought A loud, rumbling clap of thunder jolted me from my sleep. My eyes were still adjusting to the darkness; I glanced around hastily, trying to find my younger brother, Noah. We aren't related by blood but over the years I've grown to accept him as my kin. My parents adopted him when he was just the tender age of seven. I start to recall, back then: him screaming, tears rolling down his rosy red cheeks, after being woken from the dream(s) of his parents still being alive. "Kate!" I whipped around; a crack of lightning illuminated the entire room. "Hey, I was just looking for you, Noah! Where did you go? You know it's not safe to wander around at night" I replied sternly. "I was only checking to see if Christian was back from his trip yet,” Noah responded. His voice was soft; I could tell he was concerned. "Is he still not back yet?" I asked. Noah shook his head. "He should be back soon, don't worry!" I said, trying to mask my own fears. Christian has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We've been together through thick and thin and Noah absolutely adores him. He's practically family, especially since his parents have been looking out for Noah and I since our mom and dad passed away last year. "Let's head back to bed. I'm sure we'll see him in the morning," I reassured. "Okay..." Noah sighed, not sounding convinced. I don't blame him; negative thoughts were already creeping into my mind, “Could something have happened?” The next morning, I smelled the sharp scent of burning kerosene. I rushed to the door to see what’s happened. Stepping outside, I had discovered that the house of one of our neighbors had been burnt down. Come to think of it, I haven't seen her around lately. "Strange things have been happening lately haven't they?" said a familiar voice, one I knew and loved dearly. I look up to see Christian's beaming face. "You're finally home!" I said brightly. "Yeah, it feels like it's been forever even though it's only been two days," Christian chuckled. I can't help but look back across the street to the destruction. "It was nice having Carol around. She was one of the nicest people I've ever met." I said sadly. "Yeah, she helped my parents a lot," Christian agreed. A short time passed when a serious look washed over his face. He lowered his head and whispered, "Apparently, she was a part of The Keepers..." From what I've heard, The Keepers are a small fraction of people trying overthrow our unjust government. This empire we live in, it's far from perfect. In fact, it's not a stretch to call it a complete dystopia; even if it is the year 2032 in Ethiopia. "It's unfortunate, how bad things always happen to good people" I responded, after a moment of silence. Christian nodded in agreement. "Kate, we should go inside before we inhale too much smoke," Christian said solemnly. Inside the house I can see Noah still fast asleep from where I stood in the entry way. I take a minute, soaking in the silence, watching him breathing peacefully. "Alright, time to wake up sleepyhead. It's nearly eleven in the morning,” I nudged at him. "But Kate," he groaned, "It's still so dark out!" I gave him a sympathetic look. "Did you forget where we live? It's basically like this every day; dark and depressing," Christian chimed in. "C'mon buddy, let's go find some berries for lunch, Noah. We can't let Kate starve," Christian winked. Noah's face lighted up, "Okay. Let's go and look for those big blueberries we found last time!" "Be safe you guys! And don't dawdle around; you can’t be ever too sure who’s out there!" I said quickly. I busied myself with housework, trying to tidy up as best as I could before the boys get back. Before I know it four hours have passed. My mind raced, "Where could they be?!" I can't help but ask aloud to the cold and empty room. I began to pace back and forth, trying to push away these most unwelcome thoughts. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t keep my mind from jumping to the worst possible conclusions. Five hours have passed... Then six... The worry had taken its toll. Unable to fight off the urge to sleep any longer I slumped onto the sofa and drifted into unconsciousness. A soft rapping noise brought me back to reality. It was already three o'clock in the morning. Searching the house I quickly discovered they still haven't returned. Finally, I decided to head out and look for them myself. I quietly closed the door behind me. As I finished locking up I spotted a pocket-sized note nailed to the door. “Head straight to The Council if you want to see your loved ones.” it read. I could feel my face drain of its color; all the hairs on my body stood on ends as adrenaline flooded through me. It feels as if the whole world had stopped spinning; leaving me frozen. “The Council... The government...” I whispered to myself before clamping my hands over my mouth as if someone was actually listening. “Get a grip Kate,” I thought to myself. As I shook off my fears as best as I could, I took off in a sprint to the rusted out abandoned building on the outskirts of town. I stop only a few yards from the door, I could see fainted lights flickering inside. I was exasperated, gasping for air. My breathing grew fainter, but I knew I had to continue. I gathered the courage to go inside, quickly scanning the room for any sign of Noah or Christian. A muffled scream calls my name, “Kate!” I round the corner when the blonde haired and hazel eyes of my brother caught my attention. “Well, well... Look who finally showed.” That voice; so familiar, but yet different. A voice usually filled with warmth and comfort was now cold and cruel. “Christian!” I gasped, horror washed over me as I tried to process what was happening. He had his hands on Noah's shoulder. “Why are you doing this? What do you want? Please, tell me this is a joke!” I begged. But his eyes were void of emotion. “This certainly isn't a joke. Sweet Kate, you're so naive. I know you're a sympathizer of The Keepers. As you can see, I'm a part of The Council now and if you're not with us, then you're against us. We can't have that now can we?” he stated coldly. “Christian, you don't need to do this. We can work things out! What about what we’ve been through together since we were little? Maybe it's just a phase. Maybe -” He pulls a dull knife out of his right pocket, but before I could even open my mouth my brother, my Noah, he's gone... Christian takes a step forward now, and another, and another. We're face to face. I felt his breath on my cheek. Our eyes met. He strokes my brunette hair and tears are welling up as I search his face for any semblance of humanity when he lashes out. I squeezed my eyes shut as the back of his hand struck my face. I let out a cry which jarred me upright. Drenched in sweat, I blink slowly, and in that moment, I realize… It was just a nightmare.