As I stared into the broken mirror, I didn't recognize myself. There is no way that's me. The long lavender dress pooled at my feel while my sleeves stopped just under my elbows, grateful that the dress was long enough to cover my dirty, worn out flats. I have never worn anything so…nice, so clean. Its hard to keep light colors clean when the only source of water to wash anything is a polluted river. They often become dirtier than before. Everything did.
This is…strange. My hair was done up in a pretty, yet simple braid, freshly washed, which is a phrase that should be taken loosely. I adjust my black rimmed glasses, covered in scratches, old and new, and head towards my living room where my family is waiting. I also mean the term "living room" to be taken loosely.
Our house is quite small. With three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom, the total square footage had to be less than 1000 square feet. The bedrooms each have one twin bed and a small dresser. That was all they could really hold. The bathroom is covered in mold and dirt but works…most of the time. The kitchen is problematic. Its small and has a mild rat problem. Also, the electricity was never guaranteed, and food often went bad, but at least we have one. The living room has one couch that cannot fit all of us, but I prefer to sit on the floor anyway, so its fine. I am thankful for everything we have because I know people who have less. A lot of people.
In the living room, my mother sits, looking grim. I approach cautiously and try not to startle her. One wrong move could send her into tears, and I don't know if I could remain strong with her in that state. I notice my father and brother are not in the room.
"Mother?" I say, in a light whisper. Her head jerks towards me and takes in my finish appearance. She sadly smiles at me.
"Hello darling. You look beautiful," she replies. Even though we have started this conversation, I can see in her eyes that her mind is somewhere else far away.
���Where are Father and Jaxon? Are they okay?" I question.
"Oh, honey, they are fine. They are making sure the car is fixed enough to take us to today's events. Come. Sit," she answers, gesturing me to be next to her. I know she's struggling. I am too.
I make my way over to her and sit on the empty side of the couch. She pulls me into her side, hugging me slightly.
"Kaitlyn Ann, I love you so much and I am going to miss you." Mother starts to tear up and I know that this is not going to end well. I pray that Father or Jaxon come in to help me or I might just completely lose it.
Right on cue, Father rushes in the house and notices the scene playing out. He immediately knows what to do. She feels helpless in this situation and though we all are, it is important to make her feel needed, give her something she can control.
"Elena, can you come help me get the rest of Kaitlyn's things from her room? It would really help everyone out, and you have always been better at organizing than I" Father rushes out. Mom releases me from her hold, and I try my best to give her a genuine smile. She heads towards my bedroom, well I guess it's not mine anymore, without saying a word. Father follows after, nodding at me. This gives me time to realize what is about to happen to me. I don't give this much thought, as it only brings me anxiety and stress. As I stand from the couch and brush my dress off, my brother, Jaxon, walks into the house. He avoids looking at me. This makes me feel sad, but I understand. Its better to pretend I am not here because soon, I won't be. I'll be a memory.
"The car is all set. We should get going shortly if we want to be on time," he yells throughout the house.
Do we want to be on time? I sarcastically think to myself, not wanting to cause any drama before I never see my family again. I want the last moments with them to be happy ones, but, how can they?
Mother and Father show up, each carrying a suitcase, which contain the last of my essence in the house. We all head to the car in silence. I sit in the backseat, and stare at the only thing I have ever known. My whole life is going to change, but so is theirs.
The Sorting will change everything.