Her name was Laytonya I think. She was alone like me. I wasn't sure why I could see her. It was only when I laid down and closed my eyes. I watched her for as long as I could.

She never really smiles. But sometimes she cries at night whispering to herself. I wish I could talk to her but I can't leave this room. Mother says I'm not finished.

One day I want to speak to you.

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I started intensely in the mirror. "I guess I look ok but I should put my hair up." After putting my curls into a low ponytail I checked again. My once orange and red spiraled skin had white spots that were growing larger. I ran my fingertips over them and sighed. I closed my jacket as high as it could go. A deep ring from my wall clock made me jump. "Oh gosh I'm gonna be late", I snatched my carrier bag and ran out the door.

I made eye contact with my neighbor Jarrad. His pale pure white skin flashed blue before scurrying away back into his house.

My heart sank. I was different, polar opposite in fact.

I sped up and the cool dry air separated. My destination came into view and I stopped, gathering myself I walked down the stairs. "Latonya your late", I spotted my squad leaders commanding figure a couple of feet away.

There no way I'm late there are only 6 people here. I bowed my head and fell in line with the rest of the squad.

Slowly all 35 guards fell in line exactly at the eight hour

"Okay! I want 100 laps around the area anybody that starts walking that than extra 5 laps, are we clear!"

"Yes ma'am!"

"Go go go!". The groups started the lap.

I always stayed in the back. Drea, I believe that's her name, bumped into me quite hard. She quickly moved away, not even looking at me. Her face scrunched up in slight disgust. Eventually, everyone passes me. I looked to my right at the alee Venus moon, the last moon to set. It's still pretty early so it won't be visible soon. The lightning carriers were out today. They flew closer to the dark clouds and up into the atmosphere. I always wanted to be a lightning carrier but I wasn't born with the abilities.

Giggles and chatter made me look forward to the group. Some of them were smiling at each other talking about whatever friends talk about. They didn't hate me, they respected me enough as a fellow guard. They never bullied me or took my things, why would they? It was pure indifference and disdain. A simple head nod when needed. I guess they are the closest thing I have to friends. But what do I know about friendship? Laughing together, hugs, and hanging out. That's what I see outside of my bubble. I don't know that sort of joy.

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I returned home barley functioning from a long training and workday. It was like any day, train hard work hard I guess. I change out of my uniform into a simple nightdress.

The bed was calling my name

I fumbled around trying to get comfortable. My sore body was refusing me. Stretching is going to be hard tomorrow. I got a message over the bubble com and jumped up to read it. I sighed, "its just instructions for tomorrow". There was another message broadcasting another marriage tieing that would be happening tomorrow. After a minute or two, my muscle relaxed a bit and I finally felt myself doze of-

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"Mommy mommy me and Dady made moon cake!" My mother looked surprised at our creation. "Oh dear indeed you did, let's have a taste."

I squealed, "Dady! mommy's eating it!" I watched her face closely. It twisted in a weird expression. "Here Laytonya you try a piece." I happily nodded. As soon as the cake touched my tongue I spit it out in my hand. "Dady, The cake is salty!" Tear swelled in my eyes at my fail creation. Dady came in and tried a piece and did the same as me. "It's ok LayLay we'll get it right next time." "That's right my dear next time you'll make the best cake in the whole world." I wiped my teary eyes and snuggled under my mother. My dad sat next to me ruffling my hair. It's quite so very quite.

BANG BANG

My eyes snapped open. My heart was beating like crazy. The same dream every night, the same routine every day. My center source squeezed inside my chest. I doubled over in pain, trying to cry myself to sleep.