Redemption

Chapter 19

The winding staircase creaks as we step. It's dark and eerie. Something scuttles to a new hiding spot above us. A cool breeze raises goose bumps upon my body, causing little hairs to rise. I shudder.

I reach the top first. I push the small wooden door on its hinges. It opens with a groan. From the looks of it, it has been abandoned for some time. In the center of the room, an object extends upward. I briskly walk over to it. From the second I see it up close, I recognize it.

At the Academy, the teachers were instructed to break the children in. The children were intended to become dull, to not seek anything beyond the society. Therefore, our diction was cut to a whisper, our vocabulary was shortened significantly, our academics were dull, enthusiasm ceased to exist, and the environment reeked of anything suitable for children.

But, Adalene was different.

She was my teacher whom took over the "art room" and made it her own. Sure, it was camouflaged behind an invisible curtain, but she made it her own. Though her monotone voice seeped through one ear and out the other, there was something alive in it. I noticed how she taught us what the other teachers dismissed. Secretly, she was feeding us information, but I was the only one who noticed. Apparently, she noticed this too for she is the one who got me involved in rebellion.

I focus on the object once more. Adalene would show us pictures. She was fascinated with old landmarks and architecture. She hid it from everyone but me. I remember the day when she talked about lighthouses.

"Listen please." Adalene's quiet voice had peeped. "Long ago, for we have no use for them now, there was such thing as a lighthouse. A lighthouse is a tower or form of building that is designed to emit light from a contraption of lamps and lenses. They were used as navigational aid for pilots at sea or inland waterways."

I touch the series of lamps and lenses. I look up to see Adalene watching me.

"Thank you, Avery, for today. I was a coward, and I apologize." she whispers.

"Look, Adalene, that wasn't cowardice. You were right, I should've thought it through."

"This is why I chose you," she explains, "you know how to act quickly and you aren't afraid to do so."

I look down, "I don't think I was the greatest pick."

Adalene eyes dart, searching my face for an answer.

"Avery Rider you were the best candidate for this. The Academy, Avery, you were never broken, you were never hurt, you are so brave." Adalene caresses my face. Her warm hands brush the hair out of my eyes.

I don't say a word. Instead I turn away.

Mac sits on the wooden floor, looking through his findings. Claire and Meghan sit off to the side, something between them. I tilt my head, attempting at a better look. Suddenly, I smile. They're holding both of the comfort toys that have belonged in our family, long before the society. The old bear and the old rabbit, are held by two young girls, two young girls that are too innocent for the death that surrounds us. I walk over to them and plant a kiss on both their heads.

"You held onto them." I whisper, choking back a sob.

Meghan nods. "Where are mother and father?"

I close my eyes. "I don't know." I mutter, trying to come across confident of their survival.

I look around my surroundings. Beyond where the light contraption is, a bookshelf is hidden in the corner. A small bed and desk are situated in the other corner.

"We need to scavenge for supplies up here too." Mac reminds us.

Adalene, sensing my curiosity, replies for me.