Nostalgia and Consequence

“Not everyone has the opportunity to undertake the obstacles,” a firm voice asserted. Connor vaguely noted someone was speaking but was lost in consideration of a small heart-shaped locket he had discovered under his bunk this morning.

“I am beginning to think we were misguided in your nomination young man,” the voice continued, “there are very few slots left in the micro-biology program. This may be your last chance to secure your share in the future.” The voice was edging near shouting with an underlying current of actual concern. As the planet’s atmosphere continued to degrade, the age for share determination was getting younger and younger. She knew the potential this young man had but feared his inability to focus would ultimately get him eliminated. She wondered to herself whether the age determination and obstacles were weaning out the people who could fix the air pollution – but then again, it had long been written that the decline could never be turned around.

Connor looked up apologetically, “I am sorry Ms. Stein – I know you just want me to do well.”

“Young man, you need to want to do well.”

“I do… I do… I just – look,” he held out the locket. The nations had long ceased to make superfluous objects such as cheap jewelry. There was no doubt this was a cheap piece. The heart itself was light – most likely aluminum construction with silver plating, the latch had distorted making it difficult to open without breaking it. “What is this?” Connor asked full of wonder.

“It’s a locket,” Ms. Stein replied nostalgically, palming the locket, and running her fingers across the small carved flowers along its edges.

“What’s it’s purpose? Is it scientific, can I use it in my research?”

Ms. Stein was struck by the innocence of the question. From such an early age purpose had to be instilled – the frivolous nature of the human past was hidden as best as possible from the youth to prevent them from being tempted to partake in idleness. Art was preserved underground, music repurposed for optimism for the state, and the written works that were available to students were focused on technology and science. There was no time to waste in attempting to either heal or depart from the planet. Still, as she held the locket, she remembered for a moment collecting flowers with her friends on the same campus. She remembered how it felt to be a young girl laughing and feeling the breeze through her hair as they ran through the fields in search of buried treasure. Then it struck her.

“I know this locket!” She smiled, “This was Erin’s.” She remembered the girl – so full of grit. She was often the ringleader – convincing them to break free of the dorms and find something other than purpose. Connor was captivated.

Ms. Stein began to walk reflectively along the campus greens with Connor trailing behind her. She spoke without thinking – tapping into a reserve of memories she thought long gone.

“I grew up here – just like you – hoping to get an assignment that would give me purpose. I always liked mentoring and felt most effective when working with the younger girls to help them make their marks and decide on an early path. My best friend, Erin, was something else. She was curious about where we had come from. She knew the past was marked with error, but she said it was her purpose to uncover all the errors. She even went as far as to declare it was our job to make new errors. Her vigor inspired me. She was the only girl on campus that dared to climb the trees.”

Connor gasped, “She climbed the trees! What if she damaged them! Ms. Stein, the trees are preserves – they are one of the main three untouchable purities of the earth!”

Ms. Stein caught herself, “Of course you are right, that is the kind of thinking that will be essential for your next stage as an apprentice biologist. Good work.” She grew quiet again.

“I like that you lived here like me.” He smiled, “I’m glad you didn’t go anywhere, where did your friend end up. Did she become a creator! I always wanted to be a creator, but I don’t have enough – inge… inge.. what’s that word for super thinkers.”

She laughed – “ingenuity”

“Ingenuity.” He smiled. “He was so young,” she thought to herself, “too young to already have everything decided for him – too young to risk-“ She stopped and looked at the time. They only had a few days left and there were so many decaders this year. Only one third of them would be accepted for apprenticeship.

“Ms. Stein – where did your friend end up?” He smiled again, “Do you get to see her?”

Her face stiffened, “No more time for stories. We need to get back to work.” Connor’s face dropped. “Can I have the locket back?” he held out his hand hopefully.

“Don’t be ridiculous young man.” She threw the locket in the recycler, “after all what are metals for-

“Retention, redemption, and rehabilitation.” Connor robotically responded as he stared dejectedly at the recycler. There was no room for the superfluous.