The Marigold Clearing

Elle walked towards the marigold clearing, which was surrounded by trees; it was her favourite place. The air was clean, the birds chirping, a small creek’s water bubbling slowly on it marry way, oblivious of the world around them. Sitting with her feet tucked under her, she brushed her fingers along the marigold peddles. The sun shining made the field even better.

Standing, she walked towards the small creek. Elle took her shoes off and dipped her toes into the cool water. She watched leaves from the trees drift downstream. The fantasy that life was amazing, was what kept most people alive. But with a fantasy, it always ends.

The beep of Elle’s watch signalled that it was time to end the fantasy and enter real life again. Pulling her shoes on, Elle hit a button, and the marigold field disappeared, turning into a sandy waste land. Pulling her mask and hood up, she headed back towards the small town, but since it is illegal to be out past the fence. If caught, the punishments are severe and public. Walking towards the small gap in the fence she ducked through it and headed towards home.

The house was silent, which meant everyone was still sleeping, Elle was off the hook. No one would find out she had snuck out and used the holographic simulator. It used a lot of power, which we barely have any to begin with.

Elle snuck back into her bedroom and changed into her pajama’s. Slipping back into bed, as if she never left. Minutes after she laid her head on her pillow, her door opened, and Elle’s mother came in to wake her. “Elle, I know you’re not sleeping.”

Elle sat up, “I could have just woken up.” She pointed out.

“I know you just got back. The holograph device is missing.” Elle sighed, she forgot to put it back. Getting out of bed, she grabbed it and handed it back to her mother. “Where did you go?”

“My favourite place. The marigold clearing.” Elle answered.

Elle’s mother smiled, “get ready.” With that, she walked out of Elle’s room. Elle smiled, as much as her mother hated her using the holograph device, she never really gave her trouble. But if her father found out, well Elle would be in severe trouble.

Her mother was in the kitchen, cooking breakfast, Elle’s father wasn’t there yet, Elle started the coffee, and set the table. Her father walked in and took his seat at the head of the table, he didn't look happy. Does that mean he knew about her sneaking out this morning?

Elle didn't think he did, but then again, unless he says something, she couldn't be sure. Elle's mother set his plate down. "Everything already, dear?"

He brushed off her concern, focusing on his breakfast. Elle had helped her mother clean the house, collect the groceries and all the other errands that needed to be done. By the time dinner rolled around, Elle was exhausted. Her father was in an even worse mood. “Love?” Mother asked.

“There is this huge hole in the fence, someone has been sneaking through it. I got in trouble because of it. I’m at risk of losing my job.” He sighed. “We’ve patched it, but the governor is furious, the power consumption is higher than it ever has been. So not only is someone sneaking out of the village, but they are using up almost all the power we have. I won’t be surprised if we lose all our power soon.” He growled.

Mother glanced at Elle, the anger evident on her face. It told Elle that she better not sneak out again, not that Elle will be able to as her only escape had been patched. Elle cleaned up as her father and mother went to relax before bed. Elle planned on grabbing the device once they went to sleep. Which was exactly what she did.

Elle, changed into all black clothes, and snuck to her spot, they weren’t completely done patching it. She slipped through the hole and headed back to the spot. Hitting the button to activate the device, she was back in her favourite place, the marigold clearing surrounded by the trees and the small creek.