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In the near future, technological advancements created a booming success in the economy and industry. Because of this, more people moved into cities and people had more children, creating a problem: overpopulation. The government came up with a solution, a one-child policy. Anyone who had a second child after this rule was enforced would have to give up the child. If they did not and their child was discovered, they, and anyone who knew about the child, would be arrested. After the enforcement of this rule, many couples would give up their infant if it did not meet their standards so they could try yet again.

On January 2nd, 2238, Malachi Adams was born. But he was the second child of his parents, the younger brother of Mason Adams. For sixteen years he was kept a secret from the whole world, but now that the threat of a nuclear attack is causing a mandatory evacuation of the city, he risks the lives of himself and his family.




Dad came home one night with a worried look on his face. He said the city was being evacuated because of possible nuclear attacks. We were all worried, but not because of the attacks. "What are we supposed to do if they make us leave" Mum said as she turned to dad. It took him a few seconds to think of an answer. "Maybe Malachi stays until everyone else leaves" he suggested. Mum gave him a dirty look. "Well if we leave with everyone else and Malachi gets caught, at least we won't get arrested" Mason mumbled. "Mason! Never say that!" Mum yelled with a strain in her voice. We all sat there in an uncomfortable silence. Dad finally broke the silence "They might not even be evacuating. We will just wait it out." Mason and I walked to our room where I pulled my mattress out from underneath Mason's bed. He turned the lights off and jumped onto his bed. I never understood why Mason resented me so much, although it probably had something to do with the fact the he could've had a completely normal life if I didn't exist. Mason was so much more athletic, funny, good-looking, and likeable than I was and I've always lived in his shadow. I laid awake for most of the night but then I heard Mum open the door to wake us up the next morning. She made us bacon and eggs for breakfast. Mason ate rather fast while Dad was taking his time and reading a digital newsletter. After I finished, I grabbed a book off of the shelf and sat on the sofa to read it. Mason left for school and Dad for work. Mum left for work soon after. I enjoyed my peace and quiet. The book I was reading was on the Roman Republic or something like that. I'd read book four or five times already but we only had so many books. After what had seemed like hours, Mum came home. She turned on the TV, despite the fact I was reading a book so I went into my room. A few minutes later Mason came home but he wasn't alone. "This is Kiera" I heard him say "Do you mind if we go into my room?" I heard Mum reply "Well go and clean it first" which is code for "go and hide Malachi." Mason came into our room and practically shoved me onto my mattress which was now underneath his bed again. He called for Kiera to come in. I heard them talking about how boring school was and other things like favorites books and movies. Then it went silent. It wasn't until a few moments later that a realized they were making love right above me. I jerked my hand to my mouth to prevent me from either laughing or vomiting. I then covered my ears and buried my face in my pillow. I still was trying not to gag despite what was going on a few inches above my head. After what felt like an eternity, Kiera finally left. I quickly crawled out. "Mason, that was absolutely disgusting!" I yelled while giving him a dirty look. "It was only thirty minutes" He snapped. I mumbled to myself "Worst thirty minutes of my life." After a few hours Dad was home and we were all eating grilled salmon for dinner. I helped Mum with the dishes and disappeared into my room to read yet another book. I read until I couldn't keep my eyes open. In the middle of the night, at around two or three, sirens went off. Mum and Dad ran into our room. I looked up at them "It's a nuclear attack siren."

-TO BE CONTINUED