1 Drafted

"This is not fair. This has to be illegal, right?!" Elliot's voice echoed throughout the house. His body in utter shock as he read the words on that dreaded card.

His mother placed a hand on his shoulder, speaking softly to him. "Sweetheart... That's what happens when there is a war... We need all the support we can get." She tried her best to stay strong for her son, but her face revealed everything.

"Mom, I'm not cut out for this. I'm a writer, not some kind of soldier. Can't I refuse? I didn't even want to fill in the stupid card anyways!" Everything in him was shaking. How could he participate in a war he didn't want in the first place?

Elliot ran up to his room and shut the door behind him, his heart racing fast. He pulled out a book and started writing.

"Dear Diary.

I have just recieved news that I have been drafted to join the military in the war.

I'm going to die. I'm going to die. I'm going to die.

I haven't even published my first book yet. I'm an author, not a soldier!

Oh god how I wish you could talk right now... Should I fake my own death? No, no that would be too dramatic. I don't want to be seen as an absolute pussy.

Hopefully I figure out what to do... You're coming with me.

End. "

With a swift movement, he placed the book back inside the drawer. He grabbed a small container of pills and took one out, swallowing it with a sip of water. He closed his eyes and heaved a sigh.

Nothing in his 19 years of life could have prepared him for this moment.

He ran his fingers through the mop of curls he called hair and leaned his head against the wall. "Please... Please tell me this is a dream... Please."

Tears welled up in his eyes as reality started to sink in. This could be his very last time at home.

With a heavy heart, Elliot went to lay down on his bed, getting lost in his thoughts. The draft began a year prior to that day. He had just turned 18 and had to fill in his card. The months passed with no news, and he assumed he'd be safe.

Ironic.

For a country so deeply rooted in hate they sure didn't have a problem when those oppressed went to war for them.

It was time for him to start packing up. The life he knew was over. A new chapter, so to say. Maybe he could get discharged due to an injury or something.

Either way, Elliot had to adjust.

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