1 XO- Negative: Operation Harp

Epilog

Her face shone like a dimond amist a sea of stars, but the pang of guilt growing in my heart betrayed me as we walked through the school's bright lit hallway. It was a warm day for November, with trees still lushly filled, yet an eminent chill filled the air.

"Why the long face, Lyra?" lines of worry etched around her eyes.

I was caught off guard at her inquiry. I can't lose my cool now. I must believe that we'll be safe.

"Nothing is wrong, it's just a check up to make sure we're healthy. It'll be over quick."

I heard the lies behind my word, but I hoped Cassie hadn't noticed.

"I wonder why we have to do this every week. I hate it." Her lips formed a thin line, yet her eyes held a smile.

"There is a good reason for all this, but until the they find what they need, we must endure."

We walked until we reached the large doors of the gymnasium. Now an improvised clinic.

"I'm confident we'll be okay, and you should too." I smiled and made a silly face.

Cassie bubbled with laughter and took a hold of my left hand.

"Okay, but I want a burger after."

Resigned I say yes.

I tell Cassie this speech with diminishing hope, but the recent secrecy behind this national ordeal makes me uneasy. What is the purpose for all this?

Everything was fine before, what changed?

I push the door open and peer inside.

But ...I suppose the real question, is why?