Broken

Chapter 1

            My breath hitches and I gasp daintily as my brother finishes his story with an ominous chuckle. 

           "Scared, Anahi?" I sigh inwardly, not bothering to correct him on both mistakes. I'm not scared, and my name is ANI. "Anahi" feels uncomfortable as it rolls off my tongue, as though you are preparing to spit something out in disgust. Not the most pleasant of sensations when only trying to say one's name. So when I received my True Name, I begged my mother for a nickname, even though it was frowned upon in The Community. It was considered a very odd course of action. But then, I always was a bit different. I enjoy the outdoors, a rare attribute. It gives those of us with its blessing a great appreciation for time spent in the light, and we roam the streets until sundown. 

            "ANAHI," Keane speaks again. I am snapped out of my thoughts with a groan of irritation at my brother's frustrating way of disregarding my wish for a shortened name. "Anahi, if you want to get outside before the sun leaves us, you had better get going. You only have one free time slot today." He was unfortunately right. I jump up and race towards the door of our complex, shouting an indecipherable word of thanks to Keane as I bound past. I step outside, closing my eyes instantly. I breathe in deeply, feeling a cool breeze prickle my face and letting the sun warm my whole self, right to my bones. It's perfection, of course. Just as everything else in my world. Even me. I look down to scan my impressive body, flawless in every aspect. I don't think much of it. That's how everyone is here. Well, except the Brokens. but we don't speak of them. Peals of laughter explode down the road, popping me out of my second trance of the day. I glance back towards the house to check the time, giggling when I see Keane's ruggedly handsome face looking disgustedly out the window. How sad it must be to hate this beautiful world outside of our homes, I think as I dash towards the ongoing giggles. 

            I run, and run, and run but the noise of my friends seems to draw farther and farther away. Suddenly I stop. I hear it, right next to me. With a sigh of relief, I veer into the alley on my left. 

            "Mei?" I ask. "Rosalind?" Slightly louder this time. Surely they can hear me coming. "ADONIS? KENNETH?" I yell desperately into cold, chillingly empty air.