I stand in my bedroom getting ready for the banquet, another thing people are brainwashed into loving.
It is mandatory for me to look nice or people will suspect I'm not the person I say that I am.
I pull the satin green dress over my hips and zip it up, then I add a string of pearls to the ensemble. My hair is done in a tight bun of curls and I do a neat, but fast make up job.
I go over to my vanity and spray a spritz of VERY strong floral perfume and throw a ridiculous amount of glitter in my hair and on my face. As much as I hate it, I need to fit in.
I go out into the hallway and see Kato sitting in front of his door, shivering.
"Are you ok" I say kneeling down next to him
"What if I get a bad interest, what if I hate what I need to do. What did YOU do on your Interest Ball night. Were you scared?" He sobs out in one surprisingly long breath
"Kato, it doesn't matter at all. Who cares if you get an interest that you don't like. You can still do what YOU like here at home. This stupid banquet doesn't matter. You will be fine and you will do great" I put myself out there, even though I know that he is brainwashed, but his answer surprises me
"You know, you're right. I can still do what I want whenever I want!"
"That's the spirit kid!" I say as encouragingly as I can, yet he isn't supposed to believe me
Kato stand up and starts to open his door, but then he turns around and whispers "Do you have dreams too. I have them every night. I know the pill is supposed to make the dreams go away, but it doesn't help."
I beam at him "Kato I am so glad you have them too, I thought I was alone. We are Beyonders Kato, let it be known to yourself but no other. You have been doing a great job to fit in. I am just so glad."
He grabs me and hugs me tight and whispers "I wonder if Mom or Dad are Beyonders too?"
"I don't know Kato, we might never know. But I caution you, don't ask and don't tell them what you really are. Tonight we will go to the banquet and we will act normal. Okay"
"Ok!"
"Now go dry your eyes and get ready to have a great time at your first and last banquet. It will be both of our last so we better enjoy it.
He scampers through his door, a spring in his step. I am so excited to have someone to share my Community distaste with. I go back into my room almost excited to go to the Banquet this year.