Blue by Kasey Jackson

admittance. Tabitha had heard that many of the other compounds, especially in the poorer parts of the country, were full of children like Marguerite who had lost limbs or other body parts to a harvester, as their parents fought with the idea of admitting them into the compounds for protection. Sadly, in many instances, it wasn’t until their child was bleeding out on the floor of their hut that they realized they had no power to protect them against the harvesters.
    As the bell rang to signal the end of the period, Tabitha made a point to catch Alyssa’s gaze, hoping to offer assistance in finding her next period class.
    “Do you know where you are headed next?” Tabitha asked, peeking her head around Alyssa’s shoulder and subtly facing her, clutching her books close to her chest.
    “Not exactly. I believe my next class is in this same hall, though, actually,” Alyssa replied, pulling out a piece of paper and showing Tabitha her schedule that had been printed by the front office.
    “Room L4 for History. I’m actually headed to the same place,” Tabitha said, handing back her schedule. “You can walk with me, if you want.”
    “Sure, thanks,” Alyssa replied, falling into step with Tabitha as they made their way down the hall.
    “How are you settling into Humanity so far? I’m guessing they have you set up in your room already, right?” Tabitha asked as their shoes clicked on the linoleum floor under their feet.
    “Yeah, we actually moved our things over early this morning. Humanity is nice. I’m sure we will all like it here well enough,” Alyssa replied, nodding her head and smiling at Tabitha as they walked in perfect step.
    “Is there anything that I can do to help you at all? I know it’s always weird coming to a new place,” Tabitha asked, turning her head toward Alyssa.
    “Well, actually, I was curious as to when your next harvest day is planned, and when you guys normally have your visitation day. I have heard that the dates can vary by compound,” Alyssa asked, making quick eye contact with Tabitha before averting her eyes back to the floor in front of her.
    Tabitha thought about her question for a moment. Not many of the residents at Humanity ever had a reason to ask about visitation day. There were very few parents of Humanity residents that ever came to visit their children. Tabitha always thought it was because Humanity was in a more affluent area, where the parents of afflicted children could have actually afforded to put the necessary alarms on their houses, or security fences to protect their children from the black market, but chose to sell them to the compound for the enrollment grant anyway. Very few of the residents at Humanity even knew who their parents were, and only a handful of them had actually met them. No, visitation day was not really a special day at Humanity.
    “Well, harvest is scheduled for Friday, which would make tomorrow visitation day. Do you normally have family that comes to visit you?” Tabitha asked.
    “Oh yes, my mother came to visit me every month on visitation day at the last compound. She was within walking distance of the compound, though, and could make the trip easily. When we last spoke, she said that she would try to make it as often as possible, but the distance to Humanity is over an hour away for her, and that’s driving time. She said that she would call, though, either way, if she isn’t able to make it every month,” Alyssa replied, smiling with a reassuring nod.
    “Wow. That’s amazing. Pardon me if I acted nonchalant about visitation day. Not many of the residents at Humanity even know who their parents are. Most of us have been here since we were babies and have never even had a visitor,” Tabitha said, trying her best not to sound pessimistic.
    “Oh, I know—I know I am one of the lucky ones, that’s for sure. I have peace of mind knowing that my mother only has me here to protect me from the black market, and to ultimately give me