Daisy's hands clutched her skirt.
They're really leaving... both of them.
She looked at the front — Zack stood calm, and Lily was still, expressionless but firm.
They didn't even hesitate. Just stood up like they were prepared for this day. Am I the only one who isn't?
Just then, Mrs. Baker's voice rang out.
"You have been deemed eligible for further education and service at Facility 9. You will say your goodbyes and prepare to leave by morning. The rest of you, return to your dorms. Tomorrow, classes will resume as usual."
The crowd began to stir, murmurs spreading like smoke. Then the students started evacuating the hall.
Daisy sat still. Morning? Her stomach dropped. That's barely hours away.
Her ears were ringing. What's left for me now? Am I supposed to laugh at my own jokes? Sit by the window and pretend I'm not praying for a miracle for them to return?
She sniffled, then stood up stiffly, her legs numb.
"Lily," she called out in a quiet voice, unsure if it would be heard.
Lily turned. Her eyes soft.
"I'll leave the window open," she said.
"Every night, in case you ever feel like talking to the stars."
Daisy blinked multiple times. "That's stupid."
"I know."
They smiled.
This time, the sadness wasn't hidden.
Zack stood by the door, watching the girls.
That time he was called, he didn't look back. Not because he didn't want to, but because if he did, he'd hesitate if he saw Daisy.
And hesitation was dangerous.
He felt the thin paper in his pocket. It had arrived weeks ago, sealed with the Facility 9 crest.
"You're being watched. Don't ruin this."
That was all it said.
He didn't know what awaited him at Facility 9.
A better life?
More restrictions disguised as privileges?
But he did know one thing, Hope Sector gave hope.
---
Late that evening, the room was quiet.
The silence was a comforting contrast to the frenzy in the hall earlier.
Lily sat on the edge of her bed, still in her uniform, tightly clutching her locket.
She had imagined this moment several times, the night before she leaves Facility 7 — the Hope Sector.
In her mind, it had always been triumph and excitement.
But now, all she felt was a dull ache in her chest and reluctance to leave.
She traced her fingers along the edge of her locket. It was smooth and familiar.
She hadn't opened it since her mother gave it to her. More like, she couldn't open it.
Her mother had told her to keep it with her at all times.
"You'll figure out how to open it when the need arises."
She shook her head, as if trying to rid herself of the memory.
Pre-pandemic.
Pre-collapsed world.
She turned slightly, watching Daisy lying on her bed, facing the wall.
The girl had been crying quietly, thinking Lily hadn't noticed. I wish I could promise we'd see each other again. I wish I could believe that myself.
After her brother Alex left, Lily didn't let herself get close to anyone except Zack, who was the only person she knew before the outbreak, aside from Alex.
Then Daisy came in like a spark.
Uninvited.
Messy.
And somehow... stayed.
Lily leaned back against the wall, shutting her eyes.
Tomorrow, I'll find my brother.
But tonight, I don't mind feeling the weight of everything I'm leaving behind.