Joy has finally gone to bed. I love her, but I swear that girl talks enough for five girls her age. Now she is gone and I am finally alone with my mother. However, before I can start questioning my mother, she holds up a hand to halt my impending interrogation.

"I know you have a lot of questions Coral, but before you start asking them, I need you to listen to me very carefully. There are a lot of things you don't know about your father and I: a lot of things I can't tell you. I won't be able to answer all of your questions, but I will do my best. What do you want to know?"

"Who is Charlotte and how do know her?"

"Charlotte is an old friend. We grew up together; she was like my sister. In fact, she introduced your father to me." My mother is giving me as little information as possible.

"Why was Charlotte here today?"

"Charlotte was here today as a favor to me. She had a proposition for me to consider. The decision needs to be made by tomorrow."

"Why does Charlotte need your answer by tomorrow?" My mother sighed before answering.

"Charlotte was here today on official government business. She had pressing information concerning the isolation camps. Apparently, we meet the requirements for one of the isolation camps. She needs me to agree to transfer our family to the camp by tomorrow before all the spots are taken."

"How did we gain acceptance into one of the camps? After you refused the required tests, I thought we had lost all hope for sanctuary from the plague."

"Charlotte was required to ask me series of questions about my refusal to take the tests. The government wanted to know I had refused the offer of safety for not just me, but my daughters as well. After I explained my refusal to trust the government as well as my desire to protect both you and Joy from the other dangers we face, she explained why we had earned a spot in the camps." I am so confused by my mother's explanation. The government has no reason to save someone who so openly distrusts them.

"Mom, how did your paranoia gain us acceptance into an isolation camp?"

"Charlotte told me that one of the characteristics the government is looking for is independence from the government. My refusal to trust them showed an independence from the government that very few citizens of Revere possess. Since there is no guarantee the king is immune to plague, we must expect the worse. Without strong leadership, chaos will reign in Revere. The king wants there to be independent thinkers capable of leading those who remain."

"In that case, why didn't you tell Charlotte yes right away? This is your chance to protect Joy and I like you claim to want to. Why are you hesitating?" I don't understand my mother. She has been given a second chance at potential safety from the plague and yet she is still skeptical of the government's motives. We are just a family of srats; there is no reason for the government to care about us. I can honestly think of no ulterior motive the government would have to offer a family of srats.

"I trusted the government once. Both your father and I did in the past, and we learned things about the elitists no one wanted us to know. They are not who you think they are Coral. Safety is offered to us, but at what price? The king offers nothing for free. He wants something from each person allowed into the camps. What it is, I don't know. However, I do know the price may not be worth the cost they will eventually ask."

"Why do you distrust the government so much? What did they ever do to you?" I understand my mother's concern, but I disagree with her reasoning. The price would be worth it I believe.

"As I said earlier, there are things I can't tell you. My reasons for my distrust are one of them. While I understand your concern, I will not be accepting the spot in the isolation camp. However should you still wish, I will ensure you and Joy are relocated to one immediately. We will finish this discussion tomorrow. You need to be rested for work."

The Next Day

I am cooking dinner, waiting for Joy to come home, when suddenly; there is a knock on the door. My mother opens it to reveal Charlotte and her two soldiers once again on our doorstep. Just like yesterday, we received no strange looks from others nearby. It is as though we are the only ones who can see her. I believe they are using some sort of holographic technology causing our doorway to appear as it always is: empty and devoid of any visitors. As soon as Charlotte is inside the house, she begins to speak.

"I have limited time so I'll get straight to the point. Have you made your decision?"

My mother answers immediately. "Yes, I have. As generous as the offer is, I will not be accepting it. However, my two daughters Coral and Joy will be accepting the opportunity. Coral is eighteen years old and is legally allowed to take custody of Joy. I will sign all the necessary paperwork as soon as you get it to me. Also, if the tests are still required, I will allow Coral and Joy to take them if they still wish to." We finished the discussion this morning before I went to work for the day. While I wish she would come with us, I am glad she is agreeing to allow Joy and me to go.

"Are you sure you do not wish to join them?" Charlotte asks worriedly. I remember she and my mother used to be best friends. "This is your only chance. If you refuse this generous offer of shelter, you will likely succumb to the plague."

My mother smiles sadly. "You know why I can't trust them. I trust Coral to do her best to protect Joy, but I refuse to join them."

The rest of the day passes in a whirlwind of activity. My mother signs the paperwork to make me Joy's legal guardian, and explains to Joy why we are packing to move. As I pack the few belongings I plan to bring, I worry about how Joy will handle never seeing mom again. I still don't understand why she is so adamantly against relocating to one of the camps. There must be a good reason for her to refuse to trust the government; I just wish she would trust me enough to tell me whatever secret believes to be too dangerous to share.

Charlotte told Joy and me to just back any items of sentimental value. Clothes and other necessities will be provided for us at the camp. The only items I am bringing are a few photos of my family and the notebook I found in Dad's belongings. I still haven't had a chance to try and figure out what the numbers mean, but I think it is some sort of code. I finish packing and take one last look at my room. I have a feeling, the strangest feeling, this won't be the last time I see it.

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