Chapter 1
The Sun That Never Sets
Why doesnt the sun rise?
Why doesnt the sun set?
Is it like this all over the world, in other towns?
Eternal twilight, living between day and night, but time goes on, out of its control.
These thoughts passed through Hayner's mind as he sat tapping his pencil on his desk, looking out the window. His thoughts often drifted like this; he seldom paid attention at school, especially at the end of the day.
The bell rang softly, and the children exited the class, leaving Hayner lost in thought.
"Hayner," Miss Gainsborough said softly, "Class is dismissed."
"Oh," He said, returning to reality. "Hey, do you ever wonder why our sun never sets?"
"No," She replied, looking out the window, "Not really. Its always been like that. The sun never rises or sets. I really dont know why. Try asking your science teacher tomorrow."
"Sure," Hayner replied, leaving class. "Bye, Teacher."
Hayner walked out into the hall and to his locker near the front exit of the school. He tucked his books away in the locker, not planning to do his homework, and his pack along with it. He closed it securely and turned around for a quick surprise.
"Hello, Hayner," Pence laughed.
"Skipping out on your homework, are we?" Olette asked.
"Pretty much," Hayner replied in a melancholy tone. "Lately Ive been all kinds of down and depressed when look at the sun."
"The sun?" Pence observed. "Sounds like you fried your brain."
"Ya know the sun never sets here, right?" Hayner asked them.
"Duh," Olette retorted. "Its always been this way."
"But its wierd. Everything Ive ever read says it rises and sets, but it doesnt. Its brain-wracking."
"Of course, to you a word find puzzle is a major challenge," Pence laughed.
"Not funny," Hayner groaned. "You guys can head over to the usual spot, but Im going home. Ill see you guys later."
"Adios," Pence sighed. "C'mon, Olette, lets go."
Hayner sulked down the street to the station and boarded the train for Sunset Terrace. He looked out at the orange sky, and occaisionally at the sun hanging large and low in the sky. The train rumbled to a stop and he stepped off, toward his house.
Hayner opened his front door, and removed his vest,tossing it on a couch. "Ma, Im going to bed."
His mother hung out the kitchen doorway. "Whats wrong, hun? Why are you home so early?"
"Do you know why the sun never sets?" Hayner asked.
"No, son, sorry I dont," She replied calmly.
"Its been on my mind lately," He said in a confused manner. "I feel like something new is going to happen."
"Well, I dont know," She said curtly, "but Ill see you in the morning. Good night."
"G'night," He yawned, and headed upstairs.
He lay in bed, stretching his worn body, looking out at the sun.
The sun that never sets.