One day, America and Britain got a call. There was going to be a meeting again, at 2. Their presence was required. I heard them discussing what to do.

"All those meetings come to Zilch! It's a waste of time." Alfred grumbled.

"You know as well as I do that our bosses want us to go!And if we don't we're tempting fate!" Arthur retorted, exasperated.

" We can't just leave her every time something comes up! What if someone broke in? She's already hurt from one stranger!"

It was silent as Alfred's words sunk in like a carving knife. It was true that I couldn't defend myself. It was true that I was lonely when they left, because I had no one else to be with. I accidentally revealed my position when I stepped on a creaky floorboard. They turned their heads. I found my voice.

"-I- I want." Those first words made me clear my throat, almost turning it into a coughing fit. Britain patted my back to help, but I let him know I was okay with a quick "stop" gesture.

"I want to k- come. With you." It was all I could manage, with every word my vocal chords felt like they were going to burn into pieces.

"Then you will" Arthur said. From that day on, it was mutually understood that though I could speak, it was not required that I should. On the way to the building, Alfred explained the countries that would most likely be there.


The trip to the meeting didn't take long. There were a variety of people moving about before the meeting started. They talked amongst themselves they waited for the countries to file in. I stood off to the side on my crutches, trying not to be in the way. I was starting to fall asleep standing up, when I smelled something like pralines and wine. I peered out with one eye. Nobody. But I knew someone was there, looming close.

"Ohohohohohohohoho! And who is this cherie?

I Froze , caught off by the voice behind me. My heart palpitated and alarm bells went off in my head. His very presence gave me shivers.

"Allo! I am France, the country of amour!"I thought it best at this point to remain calm. To panic would be dangerous. What do I do? I can't speak to him. So should I ignore him?

I wished for my voice, but it wouldn't come. I kept to my specialty. Staying silent, smiling outwardly. Inwardly I was watching wherever his hands went, moving occasionally. I was polite, yet not unaware. Praises constantly flowed from his mouth like a waterfall.

"Ah the silence suits you well, it gives you an err of mystery. But come, what is your name? Surely you would tell Francis? Whisper it in my ear." He leaned closely, close enough for me to inhale the cologne.

"Drop dead." Arthur had seen what was going on, and apprehended him.

"Now listen Francis! Pay attention because I won't say it twice! Stay away. I won't allow for you to be a nusiance to her!"

Francis made a noise of agreement, and Arthur dragged him away. With a sigh of relief, I eased myself into a chair. It was very comfortable for a wooden one. I rested my head.

"Mmmffhh!"

huh? I got up. An individual appeared in the chair. It was a man, cuddling a white bear with a nervous disposition. I thought at first Alfred was playing a little joke, but it was a different person.

Who are you? The bear handed the paper to him .In a small voice, he said " I'm Canada. Unfortunately, I'm not supposed to be here."

( Recently, Canada has opted out of a lot of UN meetings, including one about Racism. He also withdrew from the Kyoto Climate protocal.)

" The conference is starting! everyone sit down." One of the countries called. Interested, I listened attentively in my chair in the corner.

"Alright Gents, let's get down to business." Britain said, commanding the attention of the nations. Germany adjusted the papers in front of him. " Today's subject refers to the UN. As of late, there have been rumors that the UN has become irrelevant to today's society, and it has turned into an informal gathering with no permanent members. With this in sight, I move for a re-drafting of the principles of the UN so we can be more efficient!"Germany sat down, his point being made. Then China rose to argue that re-draft was pointless, it had worked so well in the past, and making a new one would be taking up precious time. The others agreed . Then Japan mentioned that the problem still had to be solved, re-draft or not. England added that Germany was a non-permanent member and discredited him. There were murmurs that his comment was a petty jab, but the talk continued. France brought up the informal part ,and suggested a filter for those admitted to the discussion. One of his proposals included a uniform. All were opposed, not wanting to be a walking uniform of flowers, knowing how France could make anything feminine. The assembly adjourned shortly afterwards.

I got up from my seat ready to leave, but I got knocked down by a stiff shoulder. I fell back. Unable to cry out, I gasped in surprise.

"Pass auf!*" A hand came to my back, and stopped my fall. So this is Germany.

"I apologize for my carelessness. Please try to be careful. Other nations are not as kind." Germany was like stone. hard, stubborn and sculpted. He stared at me, as if examining me, like a soldier does to a civilian. He was a little intimidating at first glance. He must have been raised in a house of discipline. With an affirmative glance, I respectfully saluted him. He took the gesture well, and went his way.

Germany was right too, as the other countries brushed past me, in a hurry to get out of the stuffy room.


pass auf = watch out!