Chapter 317
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On the bus a few of the windows were open. Eve savored this fresh air, her first real taste of freedom in over a year. She knew she should savor it now, because she likely wouldn't get to feel fresh air for the rest of her life. She realized something else. The rumors were that when family members were both chosen, they were often sent to different Arks. It seemed possible that Hope would be sent to a different Ark. As a married couple Eve and Jamal would probably be placed together, perhaps giving Hope a half brother or sister that she'd never meet. Before they arrived Eve began writing a letter to Hope. If she were raised by different parents, maybe they could give it to her one day.
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"My child, I was your mother. I gave birth to you. Whoever raised you, I pray that you are safe and happy. I named you "Hope" because you were my hope for the future. I wish I could tell you about your father, but I cannot. I married a man named Jamal, he did a good job raising you for the first three months of your life. I'm sure they've told you about ELE, what people did, how they panicked. I wish I could say I didn't do bad things after Febuary 4th, but that would be a lie. I can only hope you made better choices. Try to help others, don't be greedy. Win what happiness and satisfaction you can along the way. If uncertain about situations, there is a voice, even among the worst of us. It sometimes cries out "This is not right." Listen when you hear this voice. Try to find faith, in Christ, in Allah, or whatever your other parents might teach you. Faith has been my rose of light in a field of darkness and gave me the strength to carry on. Whatever they might say about your biological mother, just know that she loves you, and she always will. Love 'Mom.'"
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The bus arrived at the extraction point at shortly after 2am. It would be almost an hour before the Ark bus arrived. The two sector guards considered taking off their uniforms. Although they'd been chosen, it seemed un-wise to remind the Arks that they'd fought for the Collective. A group of twenty people were preparing to leave on their own. They'd escaped the sector, but they hadn't been chosen. This group chose freedom over what little security the sector could provide. Leaving the sector's without authorization was punishable by death, they didn't want to be around when the army came. One man from this group called Jamal's name, asked if he was coming with them. Eve thought this man was mistaken. But then she realized, she hadn't actually seen Jamal's name listed among the chosen. She's taken his word on that. And the look on Jamal's face suggested that he wasn't going with Eve. She could believe her husband had lied to her like this, but it seemed to be true.
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Eve: You weren't chosen, were you?
Jamal: No. I was worried you wouldn't leave the sector if you knew. I had to protect my wife and child.
Eve: When were you going to tell me?
Jamal: I hadn't thought of that. Pretty much now, I guess.
Eve: What are you going to do?
Jamal: Survive as best I can. Pray that I'm chosen in the next drawings. If not, I'll be reunited with my son in Paradise.
Eve: How can I abandon you like this?
Jamal: You're not. I'm just doing my duty as husband and father, protecting my wife and child.
Eve: You have a duty to raise Hope.
Jamal: I prayed that Allah would have us all selected. But now, it's your duty to raise and protect her. It'll be hard, for both of us, but I know we can do it. I know this because, we don't really have a choice in the matter.