1 Where it all began
2050, the time when people were living on the surface a normal and happy life, no wars, no danger, everyone felt safe in their homes and the technology that surrounds them.
Until that day, August 24th, when the world as we know has changed forever, when for unknown reasons, all the animals in the world are no longer the same, they are no longer small for some and no longer unable to think for other, animals can speak now and defend themselves against humanity.
It did not take long until it became a war between them, animals wanted to live safely, and so were the humans, they began fighting for their lives, animals attacking humans, humans attacking animals, it was a riot, none of both sides accepted peace over war, humans wanted to go back to the life they had before, and the animals refused to go back to being properties for them.
After almost 100 years of fighting, the war has ended, humanity has lost the war.
In the beginning, humans called them animals, but after the realization that these creatures are no longer animals, they now call them mutants.
And now, the humans that no longer can fight against the mutants are hiding underground, in places they call burrows, they no longer can survive on the surface.
2207, June 28th, Arya Warren, a young girl was living a normal life with her father, Leo Warren.
At the age of 10, Arya was wondering so much about the surface, saying that she has never seen the stars, the sun, or the beauty of a summer night, she never felt the coldness of the winter or the heat of playing in spring.
Whenever she wandered off in her mind thinking about the surface, she always had her father next to her, he used to sing for her and tell her all the wonders of the surface since he was up there before.
Leo always felt happy whenever she did, her smile dreaming about the surface life was all that he asked for, she is lucky to have such a father.
Arya was excited about her 13th birthday when her father got her a big present, it was wrapped in a box.
When the time had come to dinner, Leo called her, he was ready to give her his big present
Leo: so...it’s your birthday...I got you a big present!
She looked up.
Arya (mind): probably something cool but weird.
Leo was looking at the ceiling and trying to remember, she noticed him.
Arya: dad?
Leo: hm?
Arya: what’s on your mind?
Leo: I can’t remember...how old are you?
Arya: daaad!
Leo: *chuckle* I’m just messing with you...so do you want to open it?
Arya: I was waiting for you to ask.
She opened the present to find inside it a telescope, she seemed confused, until he said with a big smile filling his heart.
Leo: one day you will need this...happy 13th birthday Arya.
Her eyes widened in surprise and confusion looking at him.
Arya: wait...you mean one day I can go up to the surface ?!
Leo: *grin* one day.
She gasped loudly and rushed to hug him.
Arya: thank you!
He wrapped his arms around her as a warm smile filled his face.
Leo: you're welcome
After they had dinner, Arya stood up.
Arya: ehm...since it’s my birthday...I want to give you a gift too.
Leo: pretty sure that’s not how it works...but ok?
She ran to her room to grab a small box, she came back and gave it to him, he opened it with excitement on his mind, it was a bracelet that said "thank you, dad".
His eyes widened in surprise looking at the bracelet, Arya didn't notice the tear running down his face.
He was speechless, all he could do was get up and hug her tightly.
Leo: *sigh* thank you.
It's 7AM, Arya woke up in her small room, she went to the bathroom to wash her face, she looked at her face in the mirror.
Arya: *loud sigh* another boring school day.
After she prepared for her day, she headed down the stairs, but just before she did she suddenly stopped and came back.
Arya: right.
She quietly entered her father's room, and kissed him gently on his forehead before leaving and heading down stairs.
She noticed a plastic bag that had a sandwich and a small note that said “good luck” at the kitchen table, at that moment she knew that her father was awake, so she rushed upstairs to check on him again, but he was really asleep.
She was late to school, today was more important than other days for her, her friend Jane wanted to come to school before it started because she needed her help with her homework.
She was running to school, when she finally arrived she opened the door aggressively and shouted.
Arya: I'M HERE!!
The teacher was not surprised about her late appearance, she got used to it by now.
Teacher : ah yes...Arya...late as always...you know you can’t keep doing this right?
Arya: sorry...I know...I will try to come earlier...I think.
Teacher : have a seat.
She entered and sat next to her friends, Mia and Jane.
Arya: hey.
Mia: hi Arya.
Jane was mad at her for not showing up, she didn’t say anything nor look at her.
Mia was confused.
Mia: did I miss something?
Arya: look...Jane I’m so sorry for not showing up...I have a really weird but good explanation for that.
Teacher: Arya...stop talking to your friends and focus here.
Arya: sorry ma’am.
He let out a sigh as he turned back to the board.
Teacher (mind): I can’t believe the best student I have is the most careless one.
Arya (whisper): we will talk later.
Two hours had passed.
Teacher: ok class...I believe I gave you homework...raise your hand if you didn’t do it.
A few students raised their hands, including Arya and Jane.
Jane was about to raise her hand, but Arya stopped her.
Arya (whisper): look in your notebook.
Jane looked in her notebook and found her homework done, she was confused and glad at the same time.
The teacher saw Arya's hand.
Teacher: you didn’t do your homework?...and why
is that?...you always do it.
Arya: yeah I was busy with other...stuff?...I forgot...won’t happen again I promise.
Teacher: it better not...and jane?...did you do it?
Jane: I did.
The teacher took the notebook and was surprised by what she saw.
Teacher: well look at this...perfect...I got to say Jane I’m impressed...keep it up.
Jane: thanks ma’am.
She looked at Arya and smirked.
Jane: thanks...but you really didn’t have to do this.
Arya: yes I did...I'm not letting my bestie stay mad at me.
Mia: I'm right here you know.
Arya and Jane giggled quietly as Mia pouted.
Jane: yeah...I guess I was...you really know how to make things right again...but what about your homework?
Arya: don’t worry about it...this is not my first time...I’m used to it.
Jane laughed and Arya followed her.
Teacher: Quiet you two.
Jane: sorry ma’am.
The school day has ended, Arya, Jane and Mia left the school grounds.
Jane: so you said you wanted to tell us something weird about you being more late than usual today?
Arya: yeah...so today I woke up and got ready for school...and when I wanted to make my lunch I found it ready with a note on it saying good luck.
Mia: and what’s the weird thing here?
Arya: I’m not done...I thought my dad made it for me...he never made me lunch from the previous night before...I usually make it myself...so when I checked on him he was asleep...so he didn’t make my lunch.
Jane: maybe he just made your lunch at night for the first time...you’re just overthinking it.
Mia: yeah...who else would’ve made it for you anyway?
Arya: I guess you’re right...maybe I'm just overthinking it too much.
Jane: I can tell this overthinking is something new to you.
Arya: is it bad?
Mia: oh yeah...this will make you lose your mind soon.
Arya: *gasp* please tell me you’re joking.
Jane: you’ll be fine...she is just messing with you...sometimes overthinking can be a good thing.
Arya: how?
Jane: When you overthink you make a lot of ideas...they could be wrong but they could be right too...you’d never know most of these ideas if you didn’t overthink in the first place.
Mia: well I was messing with you but seriously...overthinking too much leads to too much anxiety...it’s not good.
Jane: that’s right.
Arya: guess I will just stop overthinking then.
Jane: that’s better for you
Mia: I’m late for my dancing class...I have to go...see you tomorrow.
Arya: goodbye.
She left in a hurry.
Jane: what about you Arya...going somewhere?
Arya: yeah...I should probably go back before my dad thinks I’m in trouble.
Jane: ok...see ya.
Arya: see ya.
She went home walking slowly, she was tired.
Leo: hey Arya...how was school today?
Arya: hi dad...it was exhausting as usual...I’m going to take a nap.
Leo: ok.
She headed upstairs, but stopped in a sudden.
Arya: oh before I forget...did you make me a sandwich and put a note on it?
Leo suddenly stopped in shock and then answered nervously.
Leo: yeah...yes I did...did you like it?
Arya: it was good...thanks.
Leo: glad you like it...now why don’t you go take a nap before you collapse on the ground...you look tired.
Arya: I will.
She continued heading upstairs as Leo's nerve slowly came back to its place, he sighed in relief.
She threw herself on her bed.
Arya: *deep breath* this is only getting worse huh?
