Last Light Falling by J. E. Plemons Read Free Book Online Page B

punishing them for all the small wars that were waged.
    Before the destruction of the Dome, many religious groups during the faith movement almost came to an agreement to relocate the Dome to Mecca, but such actions would inevitably lead to violence, and the Israelis were too ambivalent about the Movement. Since then, no one has seen the site of the destruction, but there have been rumors that a new structure was being built, yet no one has seen it.
    Because our government has turned its back on Israel, it has in essence turned its back against God. Unfortunately, the people seem to accept the nation’s social philosophies regardless of its lack of moral principles. The leader of our nation is still voted into office by the people, which may be the only democracy left in this country. Although I believe political influence and federal manipulation of votes is spreading like cancer, I will still try to reserve judgment.
    I’m so anxious to understand what all this means that I just can’t sleep. All I can do is impatiently wait, knowing that one key could possibly shed some light on my future. I just lie in my bed and gaze at the ceiling, trying to remember what it was like before our parents died. I can almost feel my mom’s hand stroke my hair. I close my eyes and place my hand on my cheek as I try to summon one of the many memories of my mom wrapping her arms around me.
    I continue to embrace the reminiscences as long as I can until my heart becomes numb. I turn over and grab an old family photo from my bedside and stare deep into the memories it holds. I squeeze my pillowtight until my knuckles turn white, and it’s all I can do to keep from crying, but it’s no use. My heart still aches, and because I can hear Gabe through the thin walls crying just the same, I surrender to my pain. I turn my head over so the pillow can soak up any tears that trail down my cheek as I fall asleep.

CHAPTER 5
    The first day of school is perpetually the same, with the exception of this year. My first high school experience is about to begin, and I’m too nauseous to think about it. The consensus in this country is that high school is just another unsuccessful experiment that fails to prepare young people for the adult world. Do I really want to subject myself to this for four years?
    When our mom educated us at a young age, we were way ahead of the curve when we started school, but Gabe shouldn’t even be here at all. With his intellect, he already surpassed college-level education at the age of eleven, but because of his fear of being separated from me, he continues to pretend otherwise. It makes me somewhat sad that he’s wasting his potential, but I’m glad he’s around. I’ve always felt like we were meant to stick together.
    The first day is always tough—new faces, new teachers, and a new school. The only thing worse is having new enemies. I just remember what awaits me in those bleak halls—the three half-wits in the library who were ostensibly taking advantage of my brother’s kindness and the callous rejections I received. “Lord, give me strength and wisdom,” I say to myself before I go downstairs to eat breakfast.
    It’s hard to wait when patience is your enemy; the clock seems to tick slower than normal, and I feel like my body is aging while I sit.
    “Okay, you guys ready?” says Myra.
    Gabe nudges my elbow and gives me an almost half-stern look. “No matter what people may say, can you please promise me you will at least try to guard your heart and ignore their remarks?” I’m apprehensive at first, but I eventually nod in agreement.
    When we arrive at school, I’m in awe at how many students are walking around the school grounds. The school may not be big, but it dwarfs the small middle school we were attending. As we walk to the entrance, I can already feel the eyes glued to me. What’s attracting all the stares? Is my skirt tucked into my underwear? I gradually slide my hand toward the back of my