The Contract

 © Katya Oliva-Llego

The Recruiter said it was not a good idea to leave Soucous City and visit my old hometown of Warwick. “Getting out of the city is much more difficult than you could ever anticipate,” he said.

Soucous City is a huge, self-sufficient city cut off from the rest of the world by thick, towering walls. We have our own governance that functions much like the federal government of the United States of America.

I signed my acceptance contract seven years ago and haven't been out of the city since then. I remember falling asleep on my way to the city with The Recruiter. Honestly, I don't know where exactly in the map Soucous City is.

“You have no more family, Temperance, which is one of the reasons why I chose you. Who are you going to visit outside?” he said.

“I have no more family, but I left some friends that I wish to see again,” I pleaded with The Recruiter. “You may take pleasure in seeing them again, but will they feel the same?” he asked, crossing his arms.

“Temperance, you do not look the same. Your old friends would not recognize you,” he said. “I haven't changed that much, just gained a few pounds,” I replied in defense, sucking in my tummy. He opened his desk drawer, took out a small framed mirror, and handed it to me. “This is the revelation mirror. Look at yourself. That's page three of the contract you signed.”

flashing green eyes

stared back at her,

alien-human convergence