In the After

They’re safe and secure. They don’t have to think about what it’s like out in the world now. How empty it is.”
    “Except for the Floraes.”
    “Yeah, except for the Floraes.” She began to walk away.
    “What are They?” I called after her. “I know the Guardians must know more about Them; they capture Them to study.”
    She paused, turning slightly. “If you want to be a Guardian, maybe you should focus on that for now,” she told me, walking away again.
    “So . . . you’ll train me?” I jogged to her side and walked with her.
    “Yes, but you have to do things my way.”
    “All right.”
    “And you can’t miss any school, so your mother doesn’t catch on.”
    “Okay.”
    “And you’re not allowed to complain,” Kay continued.
    “Not at all?” I grinned. Kay was a hard-ass, but I could tell she had a sense of humor.
    “Never.” She smiled slyly. “Well, I suppose if you break a bone you can complain a little bit.”
    “Does that happen often?” We were nearly back to the party.
    “Yes,” she told me bluntly. “Synth-suits can save you from teeth and claws, but not brute force. We train Guardians to deal with everything, all types of attacks. Some don’t make it.”
    “Don’t make it, as in are injured, or don’t make it as in . . .” I trailed off when Kay gave me a meaningful look.
    “What time does the director leave in the morning?” Kay asked before we rejoined the party.
    “Usually by five.”
    “Perfect, you can get in a morning run and be at the Rumble Room by six. It’s the big building across from the Orientation Office.”
    “Black door?” I asked. “Restricted area?”
    She nodded. “I’ll wait for you outside.”
    “I’ll be there,” I said. She opened the door, and I added, “Thank you.”
    She paused and turned to me. “Don’t thank me, kiddo. We need more Guardians. Each year we get fewer and fewer applicants. We’ve lost four this year and we have one new recruit: you.” She shook her head.
    “I won’t give up,” I said.
    She looked me up and down one last time. “We’ll see about that, sunshine,” she added mockingly before heading inside.
    I stood alone outside, wondering if I would ever feel at home in New Hope. Kay’s sarcastic voice echoed through my head: “We’ll see . . .” I went back to the party, determined to prove myself to Kay, to my mother, and to New Hope.
    • • •
    “Take this, sunshine,” a female voice whispers .
    “What is it?” I ask the nurse. I look at her closely. She’s not my usual nurse, and I always get medication in my room, not in the hall .
    “Just take it.” She pushes it into my hand. She’s strong for someone so petite. “Rice said he’d tell you I was coming.”
    My mind races. I take a step back, startled. My mouth hangs open in amazement. Kay .
    “You’ve come for me?” My heart is pounding. She’s going to help me escape. Relief floods over me. I won’t have to suffer anymore. I won’t have to live in constant fear of my impending electroshock therapy .
    Kay stares at me. “I’m sorry, kiddo, no. I just came to give you the pill.”
    “But you’re supposed to help me.” I open my mouth to say more, but she shakes her head, silencing me .
    “I set it up so there’s a blind spot in the cameras but we only have a few minutes.” She glances down at her watch .
    “When are you getting me out of here?” I ask, pleading .
    “For now, take the pill.” Her voice is stern .
    I nod and put the pill in my mouth, swallowing it with a dry cough .
    “Good girl.” Kay leans in. “I’ll get you more later. This was all I could manage for now. We need you clear if we’re going to . . .” A nurse walks down the hall, past us, and Kay pretends to consult a chart .
    “When?” I ask again, frustration in my voice .
    “Just be ready,” she tells me, looking over her shoulder .
    I don’t want her to go, not without me. All the exhilaration I felt moments earlier has turned to panic. “Please, take me with you now,” I beg .
    “It’s too risky,” she tells me sadly. “We’ll come back for you.”
    I nod unhappily .
    “Keep safe,” she says before walking down the hall, her head bent low, and disappearing around the corner .
    I stare after her with mixed emotions. “ We’ll come back for you,” she’d said. I can’t leave just yet, but it’s finally begun .

PART THREE
     
    GUARDIANS

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
    My mother comes to visit me today and she brings