Dystopia

by Janet McNulty

Bits of merriment buzzed through the plant as those Dana’s age hurried about, trying to spruce themselves up and prepare for their family reunion. True to her word, President Klens issued an order that those newly assigned to Waste Management be allowed to see their families. She even provided for their transportation.

  A part of Dana wondered how long this good will would last. She shrugged it off as she pulled on her shirt. “Enjoy it for now,” she told herself. She had her parents to greet.

  “Which tie should I wear?” asked Sanders as he ran up to her, holding out two gaudy ties. Dana wondered where he got them.

  “Why are you wearing a tie?” she asked.

  “Because I haven’t seen my mom for a long time and I want to look presentable.”

  “Hate to break it to you, Sanders, but ties do not go with our overalls,” laughed Dana.

  “Come on. Just pick one.”

  Dana gawked at him. Should she pick the black one with the pink polka dots or the yellow one with orange stripes? She covered her eyes and pointed. “That one.”

  Upon opening her eyes, Dana realized she had picked the yellow one with stripes. She hoped Sanders would approve.

  “Good choice,” he beamed as he ran off to put it on.

  “Well,” said Elsie, coming up from behind, “at least he won’t look any more ridiculous than the rest of us.”

  Dana laughed. She finished tying her boots and ran off with Elsie to the meeting area. Excitement filled her.

  “Oh, wait,” said Dana, realizing she forgot her gift for her mom. “I’ll meet up with you. I forgot something.”

  Dana ran back into the near empty barracks. She pulled out a wrapped box from underneath her bunk. As she jumped back to her feet, she ran into Mad Dog.

  “Watch your back,” he said.

  Unsure of his motives, Dana took a step back.

  “I mean it. Watch your back.”

  “Why are you telling me this?” Dana demanded.

  “Because Tony was my brother. His mom took me in when mine died. What you did when the president was here—they don’t like it.

  Mad Dog walked away, leaving Dana alone. She fingered the smooth box, wondering what his message meant. Dana thought she had gotten away with it, since things had somewhat improved. But then she remembered the look on President Klens’ face, that calculating look.

  Realizing she wasted valuable time standing alone in the barracks, Dana rushed out. She pounded the metal stairs with her boots as she charged to the bottom level. Talking and commotion filled her ears when she entered the meeting area. Dana stopped in the doorway shocked by what she saw.

  A feast fit for royalty filled the room. It had even been cleaned and decorated. A fountain rested on the table with clear, flowing water. Roast meat and fresh baked bread, along with trays of fresh vegetables, greeted her. It was as though the president had decided to break every rule of their society to have this. It had certainly quelled whatever Dana had almost ignited.

  “Dana!” Elsie ran up to her. “Here she is, mom, dad.”

  Dana watched as Elsie walked up with her parents.

  “Dana, these are my parents. And this is Dana.”

  “Pleased to meet you,” said Elsie’s mother. “Elsie has told us so much about you.”

  “Thank you,” said Dana.

  “Where are your folks?” asked Elsie’s dad.

  “I’m still looking for them,” said Dana.

  “Oh, well, don’t let us keep you,” said Elsie’s mother.

  Dana wished them well and parted. She wandered the area. As she strolled by the table of food, she snatched pieces of roast beef and bread.

  “Dana!”

  Dana whirled around. Her mother waved to her, holding her father’s hand. Together, they ran up to her, enveloping her in a giant hug.

  “Oh, we’ve missed you,” said her mother. “My poor girl. You never should have been sent here.”

  “It’s okay, mom,” said Dana. “Here. I got you both something.”

  Her mother took the small box and opened it, revealing the coins inside. They were what was left over from the sale of Kenny’s watch.

  “Dana, you shouldn’t have,” said her mother.

  Her father quickly took the box and shoved it in his deep pocket. “Where did you get it?”

  “Don’t worry about it,” said Dana. “I know about the underground markets, and I know you do too. I want you to have it.”

  “No, you should keep it,” said her mother.

  “Mom, please,” said Dana.

  “Why the urgency?” asked her father.

  “Because I have a feeling that things are about to get worse,” said Dana.

  “What makes you say that?” asked her mother.

  “Because when the president came here—”

  “Yes, we heard about that,” said her father. “All of Dystopia did.”

  “Really?” said Dana, intrigued.

  “Word like that spreads fast,” replied her father. “But be careful. Your temper will get you into trouble one day.”

  “Oh, that’s enough of that,” said her mother. “If you keep a low profile, Dana, I’m sure this will all blow over. But for now, let us just enjoy this moment.”

  Dana hugged her parents again.

  The rest of the time, Dana spent with her parents and friends gabbing and eating. Not knowing when the dream would end, she wanted to enjoy as much of it as she could. The hours soon passed and the buzzer sounded.

  Dana noticed Jesse concealed in the shadows. She motioned for Jesse to leave, hoping the girl would head back home. Before the caterers had a chance to run off with the display of food, she stuffed a cloth napkin with it. Dana shoved it under her shirt, thankful that it was baggy enough to hide it.

  She ran back to her parents before they boarded the bus. “Good-bye, sweetheart,” said her mother, planting a kiss on her forehead.

  “Bye, mom.” Dana hugged her mom again.

  “Take care of yourself,” said her father as he embraced her.

  Waving to her parents, Dana’s heart ached terribly as she immediately missed them. She didn’t know when she would see them again.

  Before the officers could send her back to the barracks with the rest, Dana darted away. She had a friend to visit. She snuck to the main ventilation shaft. George had shown her the way.

  Glancing about her, Dana opened the grate and lifted herself inside. Carefully, she close it. Moving slowly, she crawled on her hands and knees through the ducting, taking care not to squish the food she carried. Her knee caused the metal to bend slightly, releasing a popping sound. Cursing, Dana listened for signs that someone had heard. Nothing.

  Carefully, she crept through the ventilation until she came to another opening. Peeking through the slits, Dana saw that no officers were around. She popped the latch and opened the door. Lowering herself to the ground, Dana quickly shut the door and ran off. Since the ventilation shaft took her past the fence, she had only to make it to Shackville before anyone in the towers noticed her. Breathing hard, Dana ran as fast as she could until she reached cover.

  The little village of those who lived in Waste Management had not changed. A few sat in rocking chairs smoking, while others hung up their laundry after washing it in giant buckets. Dana sped through their streets and to Jesse’s home. She knocked twice before letting herself in.

  “Dana,” said Nana. She sat in her chair with a pair of knitting needles.

  Jesse jumped to her feet and wrapped her tiny arms around Dana’s waist.

  “I brought you something.” She unfolded the cloth with the food.

  “Dana, you shouldn’t have,” said Nana.

  “It’s okay. They won’t miss it. It was part of—”

  “Yes, I heard about the feast going on up there,” said Nana. “That is certainly the first time it has ever happened.”

  “And probably the last,” muttered Dana. “Take it.”

  Nana took the food and placed it in her kitche
n. “We certainly thank you.”

  Jesse yanked on Dana’s arm. “I got something to show you.”

  Dana allowed herself to be led outside as Jesse guided her. She took her to a small pit of sand with what looked like a metal pole sticking out of the ground.

  “Watch,” said Jesse.

  Jesse walked up to the pole and jumped on it. Clinging to it, she used her legs to push herself upward as she held on. Slowly, the girl reached the top. Once there, she released her grip and slid back to the bottom.

  “Did you see? Did you see? I can climb to the top and no one else can.”

  “That’s was wonderful,” praised Dana.

  “I bet you can’t do it,” said Jesse.

  “You’re probably right,” said Dana.

  “Try it,” Jesse demanded.

  Knowing she wasn’t going to get out of a challenge made by a seven-year-old, Dana approached the pole. She grasped the cold steel with her hands and jumped on it. Wrapping her legs around it, she pushed herself upward. Her strong muscles pulled her up easily. Halfway to the top, Dana decided to not disappoint Jesse. She released her grip and fell to the bottom, landing on her rear with a thud.

  “I told you you couldn’t do it,” laughed Jesse.

  “You sure did,” said Dana.

  “You’re not as strong as me.”

  “Nope. But I will be someday.”

  Dana reached for the girl and tickled her tummy. Squeals of delight rang out into the night as Jesse laughed. Realizing that the sun dipped dangerously low, Dana decided it was time to leave.

  “We should go.”

  She walked Jesse back to the hut, braiding the girl’s hair as they walked. Jesse kept picking up what flowers there were and handed them to Dana. Chuckling, she put them in Jesse’s hair.

  “There,” said Dana, “now you look like a princess.”

  “Will you come visit again?” asked Jesse.

  Dana looked down upon the girl and her red hair. “Of course I will.”

  Overjoyed at having a friend, Jesse hugged Dana again and went inside.

  Dana headed back. She twirled one of the flowers Jesse had given her in her hand, smiling to herself. Her heart felt light and happy. Why can’t everyday be like this? Skipping down the street, Dana never noticed the officers watching her.

  Suddenly, arms seized her, jerking her off her feet. Before she could scream, a gag was shoved in her mouth, choking her. She kicked and flung her arms everywhere. A fist punched her. Despite the pain, Dana continued to struggle. Finally, a bag slipped over her head, and her feet left the ground as her attackers carted her away.

  Eyes watched the entire incident from the windows of their homes. No one helped; they were frozen by fear.

  Chapter Thirteen