Once I returned home, I was able to finally take a look at the information requested on the application papers. They are asking the strangest questions, such as "What are your hobbies?" and "What would you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" There is also additional genetic testing and a full psychological profile required.

I would prefer not to concern my mother with my unease at the requirement of genetic testing. Ever since my father died, she has been behaving strangely. She appears plagued by sudden bouts of suspicion and paranoia. Were it not for the lack of fever and headaches, I would fear she has fallen victim to the plague. It has gotten so bad that even my little sister Joy has noticed something is amiss.

"Mother, we need to schedule a day for the testing required for the application forms."

"What testing? I was unaware such invasive tests were required in order to request shelter in an isolated safe zone." I sighed in frustration. It seems she is feeling extra paranoid today.

"I haven't even told you what type of tests they are and you're already jumping to conclusions. The application requires several genetic tests as well as a full psychological evaluation." I tried to explain as though these tests are no big deal. It worries me that we might not all be eligible to be relocated to an isolation camp. Especially my mother, with her current state of mind and paranoia towards the government, I fear she won't pass a government approved and funded psychological evaluation. Right now, I don't know if I can even convince her to submit to the required tests.

"No!" She yelled with a desperate look creeping into her eyes. "I refuse to agree to the testing, and I forbid both you and Joy from taking the tests as well. Your father would never have agreed and neither will I."

"Okay, okay. I'll see if there is another way. We won't make you take the tests." I need to calm her down. Without the tests, we don't stand a chance at entrance to an isolation community. I need her cooperation in order for Joy and me to take the tests. If she continues to refuse, I don't know what I will do.

I wonder why she is convinced Dad would have refused the tests. He worked as a trader of rare and exotic goods. As far as I know, he was always law abiding citizen and supported the king with unquestionable loyalty. My mother never questioned the king before the plague and my father's untimely death. I miss him; he always knew what to do when Mother was being unreasonably disagreeable.

It was so strange when he died. He was one of the first to succumb to the plague. Back then, we didn't know it was going to eventually wipe out 90% of our already small population. We just thought it was some strange strain of the flu. Since our family was poor, we couldn't afford the immunity capsules elitists have. No one even noticed how far it spread until elitists began to die from an unexplainable illness.

By now, my mother has finally seemed to calm down. I know better than to bring up the testing again for a few days. I just hope she will eventually at least allow Joy and I to complete everything required for the applications even if she continues to refuse.

"The news anchor says they will have an important announcement in two minutes about the isolation communities." Joy calls out from the family room. My mother composes herself and moves to the TV where she can listen to it with us. I am surprised she hasn't turned the TV off and refused to listen. Maybe I can convince her to reconsider. My attention is focused on the TV as the special report begins.

"As all of you know, last night the king held a rare press conference concerning the plague which has swept through our nation sparing no family the pain of loss. In an effort to try and limit the spread of this seemingly incurable plague, isolation areas have been set up with certain requirements. Shortly after the end of the king's press conference, applications became available to all. In order for your application to be valid, all requirements must be fulfilled. Any application not properly submitted will be immediately discarded. Now for the newest information concerning the applications: all applications must be completed and returned to city hall in no later than six days. This deadline is due to the rapid increase in deaths each day. Any questions concerning testing requirements are to be asked at your nearest clinic. The tests are-"

The news droid was cut off as my mother finally snapped and turned off the TV. At least she had left it on long enough to hear about the application deadline.

"We will not be submitting to those tests and that is final. I won't change my mind, and without my signature, neither you nor Joy will be able to take the tests either."

"No, Mother! Please-"

"I will not reconsider." She cut off my desperate plea. "Now go! Off to bed, both of you! Joy has school tomorrow and you have work."

"Yes, Mother." I know she will do everything in her power to prevent us from submitting to those tests. There is nothing more I can do to help us. Without moving to one the camps, we don't stand a chance.