It's one of those days, the one where I get up and feel empowered by who I am. The light shines through my windows, and the breeze gently flows in. A smile spreads across my face as I get out of bed and prance around my room. I thrust my door open and skip down the hall to my parent's room. They wouldn't miss my evaluation, they had to be here.
As I reach their door, I hesitate for just a moment. What if they weren't? That certainly could be the case. Both of my parents work for the government, so they are rarely home. My mother works as an evaluator, so she's been sending me tips on how do well for today. My father, well, I'm not sure what he does. His work is very secretive. Deep down I know that whatever he does is for the well-being of Portland. I try not to dwell on what "well-being" would be, but I get a sinking feeling when I do, because it might have to do with taking care of people who think like me. As soon as I start thinking of the possibilities, I push it out of my mind. I will not let my father ruin today for me.
The door to their room opens noiselessly, which causes me to catch my breath. There are two forms lying in the bed. My parents are home.
"Hana?" a muffled voice asks.
"It's me."
My mother sits up and begins to rub her eyes. She stifles a yawn as she crawls to the edge of the bed. "Do you want help getting ready? We can go over answers while you dress yourself."
"Sure, that would be great."
My mother drags herself out of bed and follows me to my room. She glances around, as if she was trying to look for something.
"Hana, have you prepped anything for today?" Her question has ice around the edges.
My cheeks flush as I answer her. "No, I figured that clothes wouldn't matter because I was going to be in a hospital gown anyways. All I planned on was styling my hair and going for a more natural look with my make-up."
My mother bites down on her lip in return. When she does this, she is trying to control her anger. I haven't even begun filling out forms for my evaluation and I'm failing.
"Hana, everything matters as soon as you step foot onto the lot. Your appearance, your demeanor, your answers, all of it matters! You want to leave nothing but good impressions, and that includes before and after you walk into your evaluation room! Did you listen to anything I have told you the last few weeks? Did you read any of the notes that I left for you? Hana, I want nothing but the best for you, but you can't achieve it if you do not act like it!"
All confidence that I had drains from my body. "I didn't think of it that way. I'm really sorry; I guess I was just nervous. I did read everything that you sent Mom, and I really appreciate it.'
Her face relaxes as she takes my answer in. "Of course you would be. I'm sorry dear; I forget that you aren't always as strong as you come off." She smiles at me, and then begins picking up various items from my vanity. "We are going to leave your hair relaxed, and your make-up should be natural. The evaluators will know that you come from a more privileged family, so it's best that you appear humble. That will earn you a better score. Come; start working on your face while I find you a casual outfit."
I strip off my pajamas while my mother heads over to my closet. A part of me becomes embarrassed from being almost nude in front of my mother, but I push the feeling aside. When I am being evaluated, I will be wearing a hospital gown that displays my body to the evaluators. There is no point in feeling exposed now in front of my mother when I have to sit naked in front of strangers in a few hours.
"Hana." My mother barks from my closet. "What is your favorite color?"
"Green." I sing back to her. The faint sigh lifts my mood up. She won't yell at me if I am at least giving her correct answers, my mother knows I would not sing out answers later today. My score is too important to risk looking foolish.
"What activities do you like to partake in?"
"Well," I begin, "I like running, I was co-captain on our school's team. Why, do you ask? Being fit is a vital part of being a functioning member of society, and it is in my upmost interest in preserving the sanctity that is Portland."
My mother's eyes narrow at the end of my statement; discussing our society's values is a tricky subject that earns lower scores rather than higher.
"How does one preserve the sanctity of our town?" She asks while she hands over a basic white tunic and brown slacks. She waits patiently while I dress myself, even though I know she is thinking about how I better have an answer ready if I am asked.
"The best way to preserve our town is to rid itself of its threats. This includes making sure all the transitions from childhood to the cure, and the future, are executed smoothly; keeping a careful watch over any possible citizens that could be sympathizers, always keeping a tight rule, and making sure all traces of the deliria and..." my breath staggers a bit. "All traces of the deliria and unnaturalism are eradicated from society."
My mother grins as she begins to run her fingers through my hair. "You'll be fine, dear."