Free Ashes of Twilight by Kassy Tayler Page B

be on me with my next step.
    “Wren.” I slide my goggles over my eyes as I turn to look at him. “Be careful.”
    “I always am,” I reply. At the moment, though, I’m not so sure.

 
    6
    Even though I have never flown over the pit, I can imagine what it feels like. I’ve felt the wind on my face as it blows upward from the center of the earth. I’ve stretched out my arms and felt the violent push of the force it brings. I’ve closed my eyes and felt my consciousness depart, as if the entire world was centered inside of me, a tiny yet brilliant dot buried someplace within my mind.
    I feel the exact same way now. I could blame it on the lack of sleep as I’ve gone two days without. I did try to sleep after venturing out but it was impossible. My thoughts gave me no relief and I once more fell into a restless state full of dreams of Alex and flames.
    My return trip to the lift set my nerves on edge as I was certain I was followed at every step. My body remained tense with the expectation of the filchers grabbing me at any minute. I hurried through the streets after I left Pace and prayed that the filchers were not watching for me. I dared not compromise another escape route. Doing so would have resulted in being called before the council, with certain punishment to follow.
    Luckily my grandfather was asleep when I slipped into my bed and he was gone when I finally gave up. I must have gotten some sleep as I did not hear him leave. Our place is very small; just room enough for two people. Our beds are on opposite sides of our small cave and we both have curtains around them for privacy. It’s hard to believe I did not hear him leave.
    I finally give up on sleep and crawl wearily from my bed. I stagger to the pitcher of water waiting for me on the washstand. The water feels cool against my face and soothes the dryness that fills my eyes after my restless night. The eyes that stare back at me from the mirror over the washstand surprise me. I see the fear in them, along with the unanswered questions. I take a deep breath and look at my reflection again.
    It used to bother me that I was not pretty. I’ve been told often enough that I am and that I look just like my mother, but I don’t see it. When I was younger I would often stare into the same mirror and wonder if my eyes were the exact dark brown as hers or if her nose flared as wide as mine at the bottom. Was our hair the exact same shade of brown and did it have the same wild curls that could never be tamed? I never see pretty when I look in the mirror. I only see questions without answers. If I look just like her do I also act just like her? Is that why I constantly stare at the unseen sky above the dome and wonder what it is like beyond?
    Did her eyes ever betray her fear as mine are now?
    With the tragedy of the day before I’ve neglected my chores. The laundry basket by my bed is my grandfather’s way of reminding me. With a sigh I gather everything up and make my way to the stream.
    It’s the middle of the day so most of the village is either at work or sleeping. It’s strange that my grandfather left his bed so early. Something must have happened. Several cats follow me as I reach the bottom of our steps, each one coming forth from its perch with a yawn and a stretch, all curious to learn what I’m up to while hoping for some tidbit of food to come their way. I always set bits of food out for them to supplement their usual diet of vermin.
    Toddlers play while their mothers gossip in the center of our village. I pass on through with a quick nod as I am certain I, along with Lucy and Alex, are the subjects of their talk. They grow quiet and I feel their eyes upon me as I move onward. As I near the stream I notice that Abner is once more outside the council chamber. That is why my grandfather is awake. Another council has been called. The few women around the stream watch my approach without subtlety. I kneel down by the water and separate the clothes