Triumph

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong? Like you are wearing a shell of someone else and plastering a fake smile on your face? That’s my life. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and close friends. But I never feel like I am one of them. They demonstrate the attributes of Erudite, whilst I do not.

I struggle to keep up with my peers, they all love to indulge themselves with books and computers, feeding their thirst for knowledge. Yet, I would rather be climbing trees and watching the fluffy white clouds dancing along the electric blue skye; envying their freedom. I often find myself day dreaming in class, looking over the buildings and on the odd occasion seeing the fearless dauntless members throwing themselves out of the moving train as an exit

The placement test confirm my thoughts, it recommend Dauntless. I know it’s merely a recommendation, that I am free to chose which faction to embrace. The downside, I would be living my family.

I watch intensely as others are called before me, watching as they make their decision at the tender age of 16. I try to control my breathing, using the techniques I read a few days ago. I place one hand on my stomach, the other on my chest. I take a deep breathe in my nose and out my mouth, pushing as much air out as I can while contracting my abdominal muscles.

“You okay sweetie?” My mother questions next to me, barely above a whisper, not wishing to draw any attention.

“I’m feeling anxious,” I barely exclaim, whilst my heart throbs against my ribcage.

Placing a reassuring hand on my knee, she whispers, “You’re a smart girl.”

I close my eyes, knowing my mother is trying to be supportive. Our family had a discussion about today’s events whilst having having dinner last night. I know they both have a feeling I am not meant for the life of an Erudite.

My blood becomes cold and my heart freezes as my name hits my ears, announcing it is my turn. I hesitantly stand, my palms sweating and shaking with pure fear and nerves. How am expected to devote myself to this faction and leave behind the only other life I have known, and my family? Saying I am shitting myself right now is an understatement.

I feel everyone’s eyes on me as I make my way down the stairs, in The Hub. Wiping my hands on the side of my dress, I walk towards the bowls placed eventually apart on the table in the middle of the stage. The room is silent, you could drop a pin and hear it hit the ground. I pick up the clean, shiny stainless steel knife, looking at my reflection. I do as others have done before me, and pierce my skin with the sharp blade. Penetrating the my skin and realising crimson blood.

My body takes charge, without so much as a second thought my eyes dart to the large bowl containing burning coal. I smirk as I place my closed fist over the bowl, before opening my hand up and allowing my blood to drip upon the coal.

I smirk knowing that I have made the decision to free myself from the strings of Erudite. I regret nothing as Marcus Eaton, the leader of Abnegation, announces I have chosen Dauntless.

I turn around, adrenaline taking over my body, blood pumping through my veins. My mother locks eyes with me, she sends a small smile and a nod. I thought I would be upset, but strangely I feel alive, I feel free and I couldn't be happier.

I make my way towards the large black sea of people who greet me with arms wide open, their cheers and chants echoing within The Hub. I take a seat and lick my dry lips, praying to the heavens I have made the right decision.

"Liberating, isn't yet?" a girl whispers to me.

I look in her direction, taking in her appearance, she has darker complexion than me with brunette shoulder length hair shaping her face. She is beautiful, and has a large grin plaster on her lips. I note she is dressed in black and white; Candor colours.

The faction the believes everything is black and white, hence their clothing choice. I anticipate she will happily speak her mind, and will be harshly honest. More importantly, we have our life changing decision in common.

Returning her grin, I exclaim exhilarated, "Yes, it is almost indescribable!"

"Christina," she introduces barely above a whisper as the next person has their decision announced. Cautious to ensure we don’t disturb the ceremony, I reply back in a hushed tone, “Isobel”.