What Are You Afraid Of?

Chapter 1: They Found Us

It's September 21st, 2021 and the government is corrupt. A group of scientists threatened to expose the government for the experiments they've asked them to conduct. To keep the scientists quiet, the government agreed to have youth partake in an experiment of their choice. This experiment has changed the lives of many children and families. My family is one of the only families that hasn't been targeted yet. My name is Holland Hills. I'm 16 years old. I don't go to school anymore though. Ever since this whole experiment thing has started, everyone went into hiding. Nobody wanted their children to be taken away. Nobody wanted their children to have to face the ESG, the experimental scientists group. My street used to be full of nice families, nice houses, and friendly people. Now, it's an abyss of boarded up homes, outlaws, and soldiers hired by the government to collect any remaining children. I haven't left my house in 3 months. Every week my brother Aaron, and my father set out to find food at any abandoned shops. Every time they leave I worry. What if they don't come back? What if my brother gets caught? I can't deal with the thoughts. I've heard rumours of all of the awful things they do to you when you're a specimen. I heard that you're forced to face your fears. You might even find out that you're afraid of things you didn't know you could be afraid of. Apparently the staff are awful. They push you to your limits, and I heard that they give you a specimen number and that your name is non-existent once you set foot into the building. All of these rumours have built up a large wall of fear in my mind. I can't dream of being taken away from my parents... what would I do without them? What would they do without me? Everyday I live in fear of the future. I don't want to end up as a specimen.

   I had just woken up from a nap. I stood up and went to the bathroom to fix my appearance. I stood in front of the mirror and I was faced with an image of my long blonde hair, which is now matted because I can't find time to brush it, my brown eyes, and my pale porcelain-like skin. I let out a long sigh. My appearance has changed a lot since the government became corrupt. My eyes are sunken, and I'm much skinnier because food is scarce. I've been in my room for a while, so I should probably go see my family. I went downstairs to see only my Mom. "Your father and Aaron are out right now. They should be back shortly." Said my mother. "Mom?" I started. "Yes?" She replied. "Do you think the governments gonna take me and Aaron away?" Mother paused, and said, " Only time will tell Holland. We will never know when our last moments together are so that's why we should make the most of them." I guess she was right. Nobody knew when their time as a civilian was up. It scared me to know that kids in my neighbourhood were being found, and that they were being collected. Every other day the soldiers come and search houses, for any hidden children. Fortunately enough, my father cut out a large square in the dry wall. Every time our house is being searched, my brother and I climb into the hole while my father puts the square of dry wall on top. Today was another search day. Aaron and father need to come back quickly, before the soldiers see Aaron. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Thankfully it was just my brother and my father. "Aaron you worried me sick." I exclaimed. He ruffled his dirty blonde locks of hair and gave me a " You always say this" kind of look. "Hey, it's not like the soldiers have come around for collections yet." He said. "Yeah, but what if you were caught? They'd take you away Aaron this is serious." I replied. I do admit that I'm a bit more paranoid than I used to be.. but can you blame me? Left and right kids are being swept up from their families. Aaron remained silent and went into the basement, where the hiding spot in the wall was located. It was nearly 3:00 and that was about the time children were collected. My father lifted the square of dry wall, and Aaron and I climbed in. Father placed the square on the hole so that we remained unseen. There was a loud bang on the door. I felt my tongue swell up in my mouth. "The soldiers." I whispered to Aaron. "Come in!" My mom chirped. I could hear the soldiers heavy boots shaking the floor above me. I could hear sounds of them opening and closing doors and cupboards. Then, I could hear two soldiers stomping down the basement stairs. My body went cold. I froze while I heard them pacing around the basement. Soon enough, I heard them going up the stairs and out of the door. I let out a sigh of relief. Aaron and I waited until father was downstairs, so he could let us out. "I'm so glad you guys are still here." Said Father. "Us too." Said Aaron. I nodded. I was extremely anxious that someone would find us, but this goes through my mind every time they search for us. I guess I just worry too much. "Lunch is almost ready." Called Mother. I'm glad that it's almost lunch. I'm starved. Last week, Aaron and father were unable to salvage much food from stores. We had to split everything into small portions for it to be fair. The three of us went upstairs, and sat at the table. "Mom," I began. "Were the soldiers suspicious of us?" "I'm not sure," Said mother. "One of them was listening to some of the walls. Possibly to notice any breathing. You guys better be extra careful next collection day." I smiled, but on the inside I was panicking. If I would've made one little noise, Aaron and I would both be found. I wouldn't want to be the reason that we'd get caught. I went up to my room, well what was remaining of it I mean. Most of my stuff had been stolen. Raiders had come and stolen most of it when  the economy shut down. I was down to 6 pairs of pants, 13 shirts, 2 sweatshirts, 1 pair of rundown sneakers and 1 winter coat. The raiders come in at night, and take what they need. I've considered raiding homes but I'm too scared to go outside. The bitter aura that my neighbourhood gives off is too much for me. I miss the days when I used to climb out of my bedroom window, and sit on the roof without a care in the world. I wanted to do that now, but I don't want to get caught. Suddenly, I made eye contact with a tall, muscular man outside. He glared at me and began walking towards my house. Then it hit me. It's a soldier.