Announced Dead

"Our goal is to initiate the very best soldiers, to protect our thriving society. After careful consideration, we've decided that your son, Jonathan Lee has met our standards and expectations. Please fill out the rest of the forms with the needed information and we'll get started right away."

      My mother beams at the letter, her hand on my head. At seven years old, I knew this was something big. I just couldn't fathom how.

      As she begins to excitedly talk to my father about it, I peek at the note some more. Re-reading it, I see that it doesn't have a yes or no option; it basically screams we want your kid, and this is when we're getting him.

      "I thought the training didn't start until he turned thirteen. Doesn't this seem a little too soon?" My father questioned.

        Despite he himself having gone through the same training, he questioned everything and everyone. He had a better understanding to this life, and that made him one of the best soldiers there was. Standing at six foot three, with graying dark hair, and black eyes, he had a face that rarely showed emotion. He was what the other comrades called 'a cold, calculating bastard.'

      That confused me to a degree; out there, he was a soldier, true and true. But here in his home, he was a secret artist, teaching his child how to paint with old, crusted supplies. He even taught me how to write my own name with a pencil, something no one was allowed access to.

    "It just means they see potential in our boy! Makes sense, what with you being the father and all!" My mother responded, dabbing at the tears a bit. My Dad's face softened a bit, pulling her into his arms, and kissing the top of her head.

    Mother was the complete opposite of Dad; she was an open book. Everything on her mind, she said. She could keep no secrets from anyone. I think it was one of the reasons Dad fell for her; with an occupation of keeping secrets, and junk, Mom must've been a breath of fresh air.

      Mom was small, ranging at 5'4, with very big hazel eyes. She kept her hair short, the light brown curls going just past her ears. She was slim, with a big heart and an even bigger outlook on life. She had hope that no one had ever seen.

      "We should probably get some of his items ready; it doesn't say when they want him so best be prepared for any day." Dad said, pulling back. Mom nodded, blowing her nose in the tissue, before turning on her heel.

        "They gave us a list on what he can and can't take, so that makes it easier for him, maybe he can..." Mom's voice trailed off as she headed over to my room.

        "Dad, what do I need to expect?" I asked, staring up at him.

        He was silent for a moment, dragging a hand through his hair. I never saw him as old, but in that moment, he looked tired. And...scared. He knelt down so we were at eye level, something flashing against his face.

      "Whatever happens, you run. Fight. Don't fail these tests they give you, okay?" he whispered, both of his large hands on my shoulders.

        "Father, what do you mean? What's gonna happen?" I reply, fear creeping into my words.

        "Just promise me you will do your best. Don't let them break you, don't-" His hold on my shoulders tighten with each word, and I let out a small yelp of pain.

          He quickly lets go, composing himself. I rub my aching shoulders, trembling a bit.

        "Son...please...don't let them break you." He says again, dark eyes boring into my brown ones.

        "Father, I won't." I respond, not having any idea of what horrors lay ahead of me.

        "Good." he responded, not really believing me.

          "I got your bags all ready, hun!" Mother replied, walking back into the living room, oblivious to the tension in the room.

          "Thank you." I mumbled.

          "Don't be scared hun! Think of all the chances and opportunities you'll have. You can be just like your Dad!" she said happily.

          As I glanced at my Father, I got the sense that he didn't want me to be like him. Or at least how they made him. I nodded instead, not trusting my voice.

          It was a good thing Mother had packed my items, because the next day, and AI bot was sent to take me to their base. I peeked back, waving one last time as I entered the hover car. My father straight as an arrow with no expression nodded in my direction, my mother hugging on to his side.

        I took in a shaky breath, and closed the door behind me.