The walk from the dormitories to the auditorium seemed like an eternity. I lagged, letting my hands run over the walls one last time. I would never see these walls again. For all I knew, I would never see anything again. I gulp and try to push that thought out of my mind. Death scares me silly. I don't know why, but it just does. 

I end up in front of the auditorium too soon. The door is locked. I'm not sure whether to feel relieved or annoyed. Part of me just wants it done. 

"Nara, 4819." A man speaks behind me. I nearly leap with fright and try to cover it by standing at attention. "Y... yes, sir?"

"Good. Follow me please." He opens the door. My knees shake and I feel light headed. Inside are two chairs and a desk. He seats himself in the first one and motions for me to join him. He looks bored. Suddenly I want to punch him. He looks so confident, bored, as if he does this every day. Hell, I bet he does. He doesn't care. I grit my teeth and sit down.

"The Mending starts here." He says. His voice is monotone and flat, like a recording. "When I have finished instructing you, you will open that door," He gestures to a small metal door on the far wall. "and continue on your test."

"Wait." I say, a little confused. "Didn't you say that it just started? Am I in it now?" 

He looks at me, no expression whatsoever in his face. "Very good. Now, you must not have anything with you, do I make myself clear? Only the clothes you wear now." My uniform. That's all I have. "If you do, you will be slain. Keep in mind that we can change the test at the slightest notice. This is your last chance to get rid of anything."

"I don't have anything."

"Good."

"What is it like?" I finally force out.

"What?"

"Life after the test, the test, giving the test to other children who might die taking it. What is it like? Because I would feel like a cold-blooded murderer doing it." I shouldn't have said that.

He looks at me quizzically. "You're an odd one. But in answer to your question, I can't answer it."

I grind my teeth in frustration. I'm getting nowhere.

"Let me continue."

He nods. "Alright. There's the door."

The fear rushes back to me. I can't stand. I can't breathe. I can't talk. I can only see the door, burning its way into my vision and brain, untold horrors behind it. Horrors which adults will send children into without emotion. Somehow I get onto my feet and step forward. I pause and my hand rests on the cold handle.

I wrench it open, wanting to get it over with. 

I scream.