My name is Daina. I've heard that when we finish our years of labor we get a last name, but I'm not sure what it would be like. I haven't ever been into the other part of the village, where the adults live. After I was born in the village hospital, they immediately took to the Child Labor Center to be entered into the system. After about a year of enjoying being a baby, I was to start my years of labor.
When I was in my third year, I disobeyed my counselor. She asked me to pick an apple for lunch, but I said no. I wanted something more than an apple, I wanted a sandwich. They took me to the questioning room. There they talked to me about what I did wrong and sent me a year. I would only be behind ½ a year, but they thought if they sent me back a complete year I could be labeled at a normal time. Considering most kids are held back at least once in the first two years I would be with kids my age.
There have been rumors in my labor classes that this boy Fraiser was sent to be eaten by Garfeon. I guess he was 20 years old and only on his 7th labor year. I giggled when I was told that. How could you misbehave that much?
Everyone was excited to complete their 15th year of labor. We were hoping that we may actually get to meet our parents. Of course they always see our report cards somehow and reply to them. I guess they are mailed to the adult part of town, they read them, reply with a message using a typewriter, and mail them back for us review. They aren't permitted to share any information with us about themselves. Most parents just reply with a simple "Good job" or "Try harder."
One year my parents said:
Dear Daina,
You're doing wonderful jobl so far! I can understand why you were held back a year in labor school, and were not mad. We were quite delighted to know that you weren't even held back in your first or second year! Keep up the great work!
Love,
Your parents
I made most of the other kids jealous that year. After that they stuck to the normal reply, but I wish they personalized it again.
I was so happy last year when they started to combine classes. We used to have one instructor per kid, but I guess there just weren't enough adults for the job. It was so helpful because we were actually allowed to have friends!
I befriended a boy named Caleb last month. He is unique, and he was never held back. He is always looking for the positive in something negative. I'm not sure if this is allowed, but I like him. Not in just a friend way, but a like like way.