Still Point by Katie Kacvinsky Read Free Book Online Page B

it would have sent a mob of rioters to the building. All it would have done was draw attention to his cause, and it probably would have pointed back to you.”
    We were interrupted when a local news story flashed on the screen. An animated cartoon of a reporter spoke to us behind a desk littered with advertisement banners. Although the voice of the reporter sounded mature, the cartoon character depicted a woman closer to twenty-five, with long, golden hair that curled in waves around her tight, black blazer. Her eyes were so large and crystal blue, they looked like a pool you could dive into.
    â€œDue to the declining use of public transportation, half of the city’s ZipShuttles will be retired this month,” the voice informed us. “Also, all ZipTrains will be rerouted to account for fewer stops needed around the city. The south-side Langdon Street offices have closed downtown, deciding to go completely online, which is fantastic news, as this will save on electricity, fuel, and energy bills. Now you can find anything you need on their websites.”
    I frowned at the screen.
This is great news?
I thought. That the world, every day, is drying up? And we were supposed to feel like this was a positive sign? Maybe, if we were robots running on electrical wires.
    My dad surprised me by turning off the kitchen wall screen. We always had it on while we were eating. I glanced down at his black suitcase.
    â€œBusiness trip?” I asked.
    â€œI have meetings with lawyers about the detention centers.”
    I leaned forward. Now, this conversation interested me.
    â€œAre you finding the evidence you need to shut them down?” my mom asked, and Dad shot her a look.
    â€œYou know I can’t talk details of the case,” he said. My mom nodded, backing down, but I wouldn’t settle.
    â€œWhen are they freeing the rest of the centers?” I pressed.
    My dad finished his coffee. “They’re still on lockdown, Maddie. Last I heard, the centers were going to keep operating.”
    â€œWhat?” my mom and I said in unison.
    â€œChanges will be made,” my dad said in a simple tone, as if the only changes they had to make were remodeling buildings, not dealing with chemically brainwashed kids.
    â€œDad, where is Richard Vaughn? Why isn’t he in jail after what he did to the people at the detention centers?”
    My dad’s eyes shot straight into me. “He isn’t your concern, Maddie. This is out of your hands. Don’t make Vaughn your responsibility. You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
    My dad’s eyes were so severe, I lost the nerve to argue. My mom stared into her coffee cup, and the room was silent except for the hum of lights and machines and wires.
    I watched my family fall apart, slowly, like a sunset, all the brilliant colors fleeing and stretching and shrinking until they can’t compete with the dark sky. It was strange that the structure of our house could be so strong and solid when all of the energy inside it was crumbling. It made me want to save my mom.
    â€œBefore I leave, I’d like to talk to you in my office,” my dad said, and stood up. I followed him down the hallway, past the foyer, and into his office. He pulled a chair over to his desk and motioned for me to sit down. I sank onto the cold leather cushion.
    â€œI’m still doubtful you weren’t involved in what happened last night,” he said, getting to the point. I met his questioning eyes. I wasn’t in the mood for one of his interrogations.
    â€œIs this when I shamefully retreat up to my room so I can think about what I’ve done wrong? Is this the part where you ground me again, instead of trying to listen to my side?”
    His eyes regarded me.
    I crossed my legs casually. “Well, that’s not me anymore.”
    He tapped his fingers on the desk. “Is that why you came home? To prove me wrong? To make me look bad? Is that