Somewhere deep in the concealed forests, apart from the rest of Wealton Town, is a small pool of water that had the power of life and death. What emerges from its depths has always been a mystery, until a young boy by the name of Oliver Mindel discovers its secrets and experiences many new things beyond the forbidden borders of the town.
~Introduction~
When you live in a place of perfect peace and harmony, should you feel safe and secure? Surely, you wouldn't have to ask questions or wonder around cluelessly because you have no idea how things could be so pure and true. Well, that's just it. Nothing should be where there is nothing to worry about. Everything is so plain and dull; lifeless. No imagination, no creativity, nothing out of the ordinary. I wouldn't call this place perfect. More like a prison that you can't escape, no matter how hard you try. My name is Oliver Mindel. I am a 15-year-old boy from this perfect little town called Wealton.
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"Good morning, Wealton Town! We hope your day is like every other! Perfect, Peaceful, and Prosperous! Today is Monday, April 2..."
Oliver woke to the sound of the morning report that echoed through the house. He slowly opened his eyes and stretched out as far as he could. The light from his window shown brightly through the curtains, pushing away the darkness the night had left. His hair lit up, revealing the golden-brown color that fell softly over his face. The warmth of his room made him drowsy. 'It's another day... just like every other.' Oliver thought to himself, pulling out of his comforting bed. The cold, tile floor sent a slight shiver down his spine. His mother was already up, like always, making breakfast in the kitchen. The smell of baking bread filled the room with joy and energy. The morning report ended after Oliver arrived in the dining room. The table was set and ready for food to be served. Mr. Mindel was already at the table, reading his daily newspaper. Oliver looked over at the clock that was hanging on the wall. It was exactly 9:00 a.m.
"Oh, look who's up dear," Mrs. Mindel said, holding a pan of freshly baked bread. "Well well well, look who finally decided to show up!" Mr. Mindel grunted, holding his newspaper closer to his face. Oliver rolled his eyes and grabbed his bag. "I'm skipping breakfast," he said, "I'm not hungry." Mrs. Mindal set the loaf on the table and turned around to look at Oliver. "You haven't eaten in days, Oliver, you better take something with you before you go," she scolded. "Let 'em starve! If he doesn't wanna eat, so be it," said Mr. Mindal.
"Now you listen here! You do not say such things about your son, Joe!"
"Why not? He's been a burden ever since he started getting curious."
"That is no excuse! You should be glad that your son wants to learn more about the world!"
"Ya' know what, Karen! Why can't we have a normal son like everyone else!"
Oliver sighed and walked out of the door. He could still hear the faint voices of his parents inside. He closed the door softly and left.
.....
I walked down the smooth, white sidewalk and watched the cars drive past me. The breeze is soft and cool; refreshing. My parents always fight about me. Everyone here is supposed to live a 'perfect' life. Unfortunately, I am not part of it. My dad never liked me because I'm different from all the other kids. It's no big deal to me that I'm curious. I like to think of it as being adventurous. I don't understand how they can't feel isolated and stuck. I want to know what's on the other side of the wall. Why do we have a wall? Is it dangerous on the other side? Are there creatures? Ghosts? No, it cant be ghosts. They would be able to go through it. Anyway, I have a secret. I've seen a glimpse of the outside before. It was nothing much, but it was something! There is this tiny crack in the wall at the end of the town where the gardens are. The outside looked just like the gardens, but it was much thicker and full of trees and vines. It went on for miles and miles. Sometimes I wonder if it surrounds the town. I always go there to see if anything has changed or if there are any little things I missed. You see, there is my neighborhood, the town, then the gardens, but every bit of it is surrounded by a huge wall. No way in, and no way out. Well, that's not entirely true. There is a gate somewhere west of the town where the hunters and newfolk come to bring food and live. I tried to leave once, but it's impossible. There are always guards in front of the entrance and sometimes on the wall! But I always have a plan, always. I'm getting out of here, even if it kills me.
.....
