Chapter 2

"There is nothing stable in the world; uproar's your only music."

John Keats

There was a peculiar sense of stillness in the Greenhill home that evening. It was the kind of stillness that permeated all through the large hallways and the beautifully decorated rooms. If you were ever to find yourself face-to-face with such stillness, you would be sure to feel it – the oppressive nature of it was all consuming, complete with subtle hints of death that would slide down your skin like raindrops.

It was an hour until the official start of the year's Annual Purge, and one occupant of the house was basking in the knowledge. Enjoying the slick, black anger curling up in his stomach as he sat cross-legged on the floor, he thought of all the things he would like to do tonight – if only his shitty parents would allow him to go out.

From his position on the floor, he could see his bedroom door was slightly ajar. Soft footsteps were soon heard approaching his room, and he took a full, frustrated breath in through his nose. Sarah's figure appeared through the crack on the door, and she gave a polite knock.

"Hi Jonathan, how's it going? Your parent's have gone to the Beaufort's party...they told me to say 'bye' to you..." Sarah faltered and couldn't finish her sentence.

She knew the 13-year-old boy sitting alone in his room was hurting. From little clues here and there, and from snatches of stilted conversations they had had, Sarah had come to understand his pain. He was of the opinion his parents were too wrapped up in themselves, too interested in their status within this new America to even bother with him. They wanted a son who fitted the bill as an all-American boy, loved sports and excelled within his peer group. But Jonathan was an introverted and sensitive boy, and took the apparent rejection by his parents extremely badly.

Jonathan Greenhill was a problematic child – or so his mother had told Sarah on her first day with them. But all Sarah saw in him was total vulnerability. But instead of working to build a relationship with their son, Mr and Mrs Greenhill had shipped Jonathan off to boarding school a few years ago. And now he would only come back periodically for school holidays.

Sarah gently pushed his door open, and she saw the protective shell instantly wrap itself around him. One of the things Sarah was scared of happening to Jonathan was losing the ability to establish emotional connections with other people. She had learned at University that some children who cut themselves off from emotional interactions, would go on to find it near impossible to make emotional bonds in later life, or engage in any kind of intimacy. And because of this process of cutting themselves off, their true selves would be lost and become inaccessible.

But Sarah didn't want that kind of life for Jonathan. This boy that had everything money could buy, except his parent's love. She would try everything in her power to help him feel wanted, and appreciated.

She sat down next to him and nudged his knee with hers, "How about we do whatever you want to do tonight? It's your night." A warm smile lit up her face, but Jonathan maintained his hard stare at the floor.

"I'm not allowed to do what I want." His monotone reply came quietly.

"Come on Jonathan...it'll be our secret! What would you like to do tonight?"

Sarah was greeted with silence, and a surreptitious glance from under a black fringe. The young boy sighed and shook his head, before finally answering her shyly: "Did my dad show you how to lock down the security system?"

Puzzled by the random question, Sarah answered him slowly. "Yes, he did. Has he never shown you how to lock down as well?"

"No, never."

"Would you like to see how it's done?"

A glint appeared in Jonathan's eyes, "Yes, please."

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Sarah and the three children sat in Mr Greenhill's office on a large black leather couch, staring at the countdown clock on the television screen in front of them.

This was the worst part, Sarah had always thought. The anticipation, the build up to the Purge itself. Plus, she hated the fact that Mrs Greenhill had demanded that Sarah and the children had to sit and watch the Purge announcement. Like it was some warped family tradition.

A shrill sound burst from the surround sound speakers, breaking into Sarah's thoughts and causing her to look at the children either side of her. She glanced at Tory, the eight-year-old daughter of the Greenhills, who seemed to have such a wise old head on her young shoulders. Such a good little girl...what a world you're going to inherit, you poor creature.

The blue screen came up on the television and a soothing female voice quickly filled the room.

"This is not a test. This is your emergency broadcast system announcing the commencement of the Annual Purge sanctioned by the U.S. Government.

Weapons of class 4 and lower have been authorized for use during the Purge. All other weapons are restricted. Government officials of ranking 10 have been granted immunity from the Purge and shall not be harmed. Commencing at the siren, any and all crime, including murder, will be legal for 12 continuous hours.

Police, fire, and emergency medical services will be unavailable until tomorrow morning at 7 a.m., when The Purge concludes. Blessed be our New Founding Fathers and America, a nation reborn. May God be with you all."

At the sound of the first almighty sirens, Sarah swallowed hard. Tory looked up at her, and proceeded to pat her hand gently.

"Don't worry, Sarah. We're inside; no one is going to get us in here."

Jonathan turned to give his sister a sharp look, but directed his retort towards the cabinet where his father kept his assortment of firearms.

"If anyone does get inside, I'll shoot them."

Now that shocked Sarah right to her core, so much so, she felt as if she had been winded. Had he meant to say that? Could she really blame him for thinking that way? What else would he think? He had been brought up to staunchly believe...and live...this new 'ideology'.

Crouching down on the floor in front of Jonathan, Sarah placed her hands on his shoulders and spoke gently to him.

"No one is getting into this house tonight. And no one is getting out. Is that quite clear, Jonathan?"

He just looked blankly back at her, and shrugged. "Whatever."

"Tell me you understand. And look me in the eye when you say it."

And that's when she saw a dark cloud appear in his eyes. An infinite unhappiness. Sarah wondered if he could hear her heart breaking in two, he was practically pouring his despair into her and it felt so awful.

"I understand, Sarah." Jonathan finally mumbled at her.

"Well, that's great. Glad we're all on the same page." She gave him a mild pinch on the cheek. "Now how about we all go and watch a movie?"

Tory and Thomas both started to squeal excitedly, whilst Jonathan maintained a guarded eye contact with Sarah. He was seething, not necessarily at her – mostly at himself. Jonathan was trying to calm himself down, but his self loathing only fuelled his resolve on the promise he had just made to himself.

"Sounds great, but I'm just going to finish some school stuff up here first. But I won't be long. Promise."