DPA Winter Issue 2013

Deo Patriae Amicis Winter Issue 2013

A Newsletter For Seton High School Students

The Blessed Eucharist is the perfect Sacrament of the Lord's Passion, since It contains Christ Himself and His Passion.

-St. Thomas Aquinas

Fairyland

By Kate Knighton There is a realm most children know, A realm called fairyland, Where extraordinary‘s normal Across the widespread land.

In this land of plenty and wealth, Abound, as if peasants they were, Princes, Princesses, Kings, ‘n’ Queens, And Knights with their ladies fair.

Many an enchanted person there is; Many a beast grotesque Turns into a handsome prince, When kissed by a fair princess.

Fairies inhabit each village ‘n’ town, And no one a second thought gives To a puppet that walks ‘n’ sings a tune, Who clearly, beyond a doubt, lives.

No one asks, “How?” or shows any fright When one moment, on land, a lion roars; And the next, without warning, he takes to flight, And over hills, mountains, and clouds soars.

No one says, “What the world is that?”

When a fairy godmother they meet, They familiarly hail her tiny form Upon seeing her in the street.

And in this kingdom children know, The sweet realm called fairyland, Happiness, true love, and friendliness Walk side by side, live hand in hand.

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The Face of a Sleeping Child

By Kate Knighton The sweetness of roses, A kind, gentle touch, A beauteous sunset – These can’t compare much To the face of a sleeping child.

The roaring of lions, A bellowing bear – Their breath-taking awesomeness Cannot compare With the face of a sleeping child.

Found is happy laughter, The goodness of life, The consolation of God When one is going through strife – In the face of a sleeping child.

Innocence and wonder And love do abound, And all that holds goodness Is unfailingly found – On the face of a sleeping child.

Photo By Natalie Kellner

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Pope John Paul II, a Global Pro-life Inspiration

By Kyra Clark

It takes dedication, patience, and integrity to be any kind of leader, whether leading a group of children on a field trip, or leading an army into battle. A leader must know within his heart where his real allegiance lies, and must be ready to stand by his choice, regardless of whatever criticism may come his way. A leader of any type must also show bravery and self-confidence.

To be a pro-life leader requires even more dedication, knowing the odds that are against him. Knowing that no matter how hard he strives to change the minds of uneducated people, many will scorn and ridicule him for standing up for the unborn. As discouraging as it sounds, there are as many pro-life people in this world as there are those who are pro-choice. Those who are pro-choice are just as firm in their beliefs as those who are pro-life. Imagine the courage it takes to openly state and promote your belief on such a controversial matter, knowing the many people who stand against what you believe in and the anger that will be created.

Pope John Paul II did this every day of his life in his role as the leader of the Catholic Church. Although he strongly opposed the views of those who supported legal abortion, Pope John Paul II sought not to condemn, but to encourage all people to embrace the lives of their fellow men, no matter how young or old. The kindness that radiated from Pope John Paul gained him global respect and admiration from people around the world.

During his reign over the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II made it his mission to educate people about the tragedy of abortion. In a letter that was written to the Archbishop of Boston, Massachusetts, Pope John Paul said: “As part of this great affirmation of the Gospel of life, I urge you to continue your praiseworthy efforts to

educate people about the evil of abortion, to offer counsel, encouragement and help to women and families in difficult situations, and to continue to seek full legal protection for the unborn.”

In the same letter, Pope John Paul II extended his support and plea to all the pro-life individuals in America, saying: “In particular, I call upon young men and women to involve themselves in this great campaign in defense of God's

gift of life. You are a sign of hope to the Church and the world. Do not be discouraged or afraid! The risen Lord calls us all to proclaim, celebrate and serve life, and he will give us the strength to accomplish his will.”

Although the passion that Pope John Paul II showed in his efforts to make abortion illegal gained him respect from many people, he faced a lot of harsh criticism from the general public who held different opinions. Doctors and AIDS activists were among the group of people who opposed the Pope’s position against artificial birth control, arguing that the lack of artificial birth control would lead to countless deaths and millions of AIDS orphans. Critics also argued that large families are caused by lack of contraception and will create third world problems—such as poverty and orphaned children.

Pope John Paul II calmly took the criticism directed towards him and in turn, attempted to persuasively educate the critics, with the publication of the encyclical “Evangelium Vitae,” which expressed the Catholic Church’s position regarding the values and inviolability of human life. This publication, which was released on March 25, 1995, received mixed views of agreement as well as more criticism. The point of the publication (“Evangelium Vitae”) was to show the world what position the Pope and Catholic Church held regarding abortion. Through this, Pope John Paul II publicly stated what he firmly believed in, despite the disagreement of others, and while declaring what was right, hoped to educate the ignorant about the horrid act of abortion. Pope John Paul II is widely known for his dedication to stopping abortion, and maybe one day, through the path which he laid out, we will all be able to continue to educate the ignorant and legally protect our unborn brothers and sisters in Christ.

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Photo By Mary Schmitt

Photo By Mary Schmitt

Photo By Rebecca Holzapfel

Photo By Mara Ng

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My Hero

By MaryClare Kellner Once upon a time, there was a young couple who lived in the outskirts of Iowa City. This young couple had met a few years before, and fell in love during a wonderful trip to Providence, Rhode Island.

At this time in their life together, the couple was expecting their first child. The man, finding no way out, had to go on a business trip. While the man was on his trip, his wife's nine months were coming to an end, and one day, after falling down the stairs, she was rushed to the hospital. The doctors said that the baby would be fine, but they would have to do an immediate C-section which could be dangerous as the energy of the woman seemed low. She demanded they take immediate action, and right before her operation, her husband was called.

Although he was many miles away with no way to get back in time, the man had nothing to do but trust that all would go well. As the operation went on, the man spent his time in his hotel room begging the Lord to save his wife, and, if it was what He wanted, to let him take her place instead.

Nothing happened, and right before turning in for the night, the man got a phone call and learned that all had gone well.

When he returned from his important trip, he gathered his wife in his arms and told her how much he loved her. He was also filled with joy when he met his first son, Matthew.

When he met the doctor who had saved both his son and his wife, the man repeatedly thanked him for being the hero who came into their lives.

Once they were in the car, his wife looked straight into his eyes and said to him, "You know, the doctor may have saved my life, but you'll always be my hero." And the husband thought quietly with a smile, And Jesus is mine.

Seven years later, with their sweet five-year-old daughter named Gemma, the family still lived on the outskirts of Iowa City. The man, woman, and son, Matthew, had all rushed outside at the sound of fireworks near their house.

Unknown to the whole family, one of the fireworks had accidentally been shot too close to the house, and soon heavy smoke and fire surrounded the house.

The neighbors had to do all they could to keep the parents from running into the fire to save their darling daughter.

These young parents were left with nothing to do but pray.

At this moment, the father started begging the Lord to save his daughter, and if it was what He wanted, to let him take her place instead.

As the firefighters arrived, the worried parents begged them to quicken their pace.

Understanding their concern, the firefighters went quickly into the house, and saved the young girl from the sweltering flames. As the firefighters escaped the dangerous flames while carrying the girl in their arms, they were greeted with cheers from the family, neighbors, and caring friends.

When the girl was reunited with her family, the father thanked the firefighters repeatedly for being such great heroes.

Once they were settled in the house of the father's parents, the young girl sat on her father's lap. Cuddling up to him, she said, "You know, the firefighter may have saved my life, but you'll always be my hero."

The father looked at his daughter and said, "But I didn't save you." And she said, "No, but you are always there for me, and you always protect me. I knew you would somehow save me, and you did by praying for me." The young girl went on to say, "I'm sure you are the second best hero there is." Hearing this, the father inquired, "Second best?" And she said, "Yes, Daddy, because I know 5 that Jesus is your Hero."

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The Onyx Legacy

By Mara Ng Part Seven: Nick stared at his sister with such intensity that Kate thought her siblings were going to start another fight. Her brother took a deep breath in and sighed. With a lowered gaze, he spoke bluntly. “I’m sorry.”

Cassidy—who was ready to start another argument after seeing her brother’s face—was completely astounded.

“Oh. Well, I—I’m sorry too.”

Noticing their discomfiture, Kate slipped out of the room without a sound.

“I’m really sorry for shouting at you and storming off. I know you and Kate were just worried about me.”

“Hmm… Yeah. That—that’s what I told Kate.” Nick paused to collect his thoughts. “So… Kate scolded me for going overboard earlier. I guess grabbing your necklace was too much….but you should still be careful with it.

You looked a lot like Dr. Manett with his shoes. We don’t want you to get stuck like that ever again. So, promise that you’ll stop being so anxious so that we can calm down too.”

Though he wasn’t expecting an immediate and frank reply, Nick was pleasantly surprised to hear his older sister agree with him and promise that she’d do her best to stop her habit of worrying excessively.

Afterward, Kate re-entered the room and returned the onyx necklace to its owner. Soon enough, the three Onyx kids reconciled with each other and laughed at their stupid argument. Though some peace seemed to have finally given them a reprieve, Evelyn suddenly burst through the door saying, “Nathan and Callum just caught a suspicious man they found near the old HQ. They’re taking him in for interrogation.”

A look of relief appeared on her face as she noticed the light mood in the room. “Huh. I see you three have made up.” She smiled at them. “So, do you want to watch the interrogation? You three might notice something crucial that the rest of us could miss.”

“Alright. We’ll do our best to help out.” The three replied with some traces of enthusiasm, excitement, and apprehension.

As they made their way to the interrogation room, they found Nathan, Callum, and Spencer waiting for them in the hallway.

“Doc’s about to start, but he said that he’d wait for you.

Just in case something happens, he wants us to stay in another room and watch through the cameras,” Callum informed Evelyn. “The room is this way.”

So, Doc’s here too. Cassidy thought. I hope he’s doing well. He was already pretty old before.

“Ok. Let’s go then. But first, you three have already met Nathan and Callum, so let me introduce you to Spencer.

I’m not sure if you remember, but you knew each other when you were children. His parents used to work for the OSRA, and his father is helping us with some research now.”

Kate smiled at him and shook his hand. “Now that I look at you, I can actually remember! You helped me reach for some things when I was small, and you also helped Nick with some of his weird invention thingies!”

Spencer laughed.

“Really?” Nick asked. “I don’t remember anything— nothing at all! How do you remember, Kate? We were so young.”

The others expressed their assent, while Cassidy looked at her siblings with a fearful yet curious glance.

Kate looked thoughtful for a second. “Well, I really couldn’t remember anything before, but after being here for a little while, some things must be coming back to me.” “Really?” Nick ran his fingers through his messy brown hair. “Well, I have yet to remember anything about the past even though I already believe it happened.”

A small alarm sounded from Callum’s watch. “Excuse us for a bit. Nat and I are being called to the front. We’ll catch up as soon as we can.”

After the two left, Evelyn asked, “What exactly do you remember, Kate?”

“Well, I remember some things about the OSRA in the past. Like some memories of you or Cassidy when you were much younger, and—oh! Spencer! You were the funny boy who had a crush on—!” After seeing the look on Spencer’s face, Kate stopped. “Oops,” she giggled, “that would’ve been really embarrassing for you if I said it. Sorry.” Spencer—who was about to cover Kate’s mouth—looked relieved. “Haha. Don’t worry. There’s no harm done.” At those words, Cassidy couldn’t help 16 but feel uneasy.

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But when she noticed her thoughts, she quickly pushed them aside and scolded herself for actually caring. Nick, on the other hand, saw an opportunity to tease his sister. “See that, Kate? Your mouth is too fast for your brain, so try to think more before you say anything.”

“Well that’s a shame,” Kate retorted. “At least my brain still has memories of the past while your brain is like a senile grandpa’s.”

Evelyn and Spencer started laughing, and Cassidy smiled a bit. “You can continue your fight later, but we really need to watch that interrogation now, so let’s go,” Cassidy insisted. While walking to the conference room, and while she had uneasy thoughts about Kate starting to recall the past, Cassidy was bothered by something Spencer had said before. Cassidy quietly slid beside Spencer and began to question him. “Hey,” she whispered. “What did you mean by what you said earlier? How did you know about my conversation with Dr. Reid when I was in the hospital?”

Spencer fumbled with the files and papers he was carrying and glanced at the others in front of them. “Cassidy,” he whispered back. “We’re just about to start a pretty important interrogation, so can we do this later?” He asked with pleading but submissive eyes. “After we’re finished, you can interrogate me as much as you want,” he teased playfully.

Cassidy raised her eyebrow at this, contemplating whether or not to hit him or grill him with her questions. She sighed and nodded her head. “I’ll let you go for now if you promise to give me all the details.”

“Sure,” Spencer replied with another good-humored smile—though there was a tinge of displeasure in it. “I’m compromised now anyway.”

When they finally reached the conference room and settled themselves on the chairs around a long, black table, Cassidy gasped at the image of a large man wearing extremely dark shades displayed on the screen on the wall.

“I saw that guy before! After I bought the game for Nick, I saw him go into the videogame store. At the time, I thought it was pretty weird that someone like him would go to that kind of shop.”Evelyn looked at the man on the screen. “Then I guess this guy really is related to the recent events surrounding the cure. Doc will get whatever he can out of him.”

They soon heard a door open as Doc entered the room to start the interrogation. Cassidy smiled after seeing the same lab coat and big glasses, the golf cap on the nearly bald head, and the thick, white mustache.

He looks fine, she thought. Just old, she giggled quietly.

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The Doc and another agent who followed him into the room connected a device to the man’s arm. The device, which closely resembled a wristwatch, started making beeping noises as Doctor Reid turned it on. “That’s a lie detector,” Spencer informed them “which I just built.”

He gave Cassidy a pointed smile as Nick and Kate praised him. “Annoying, as usual”, she whispered to herself.

“What was that?” Spencer asked with a smirk.

“I just said that you’re annoying,” she replied without a single trace of hesitation. But when he merely laughed at her comment and said that she was “the same old Cassandra Onyx” and that it was “just like old times,” she had to roll her eyes at the ceiling and give him a face.

“Quiet down, you two. You’re just as bad as Nick and Kate.” Evelyn had to chuckle at their little quarrel as she checked her watch. “Doc is about to start asking questions now.”

“I’m glad Dr. Reid looks healthy,” Cassidy whispered to Evelyn.

“Yeah, he should retire soon since things are getting serious again,” Evelyn smiled wistfully. “I wonder what’s taking Cal and Nate so long. They should be here soon.”

When Cassidy looked at the screen, she saw the Doc clear his throat after the other agent locked the door and pushed a silver button on the wall. “So, it’s been a while, Simon,” the old doctor started.

Evelyn’s eyebrows shot up from her watch and the children gave her questioning looks, but the man was completely unfazed.

“I thought you said he was someone suspicious,” Cassidy and Spencer asked in unison.

“I thought so too,” Evelyn replied while glancing at her watch a second time. Cassidy could see that she was anxious to question Nathan and Callum about the Doc’s words.

The Doctor continued. “To think I’d actually have to interrogate one of my patients in these kinds of circumstances.” Everyone except the doctor and ‘Simon’ was even more puzzled. “So,” the Doc paused, “did the cure work well for you, son? You used to be in a lot of danger back then. The disease nearly killed you.”

“So he was one of them,” Evelyn spoke in a soft voice.

Both Cassidy’s and Spencer’s eyes clouded. So this man was one of those people. They both mulled it over in their heads. But he looks different from the other patients, since he… actually survived…

The man didn’t speak. “All right, all right. I’ll stop beating around the bush and just ask,” the Doc resumed. “How on earth did you survive the fire? How did you survive the disease? And why were you snooping around the old headquarters of OSRA?” This time, the corner of the man’s left eye twitched. “Are you working for them?” the doc asked. “Are you our enemy too?”

An awkward silence hung in the air, making Evelyn check her watch again. The man rubbed his forehead in between his eyes and sighed deeply. The man spoke in a deep voice. “I don’t work for Zonin if that’s what you want to know.”

Cassidy’s ears perked up. She had never heard of that name before, but the look on Spencer’s face made her realize that it was definitely important.

“I’m not your enemy, but I cannot tell you what I am.” The man said with finality.

A quick glance at the lie-detector told the doctor that the man was telling the truth. “Then what were you doing at the old headquarters of the OSRA?” “I cannot answer that,” he replied curtly.

While Dr. Reid continued asking more questions, the lie detector repeatedly showed that the man’s answers were bush and just ask,” the Doc resumed. “How on earth did you survive the fire? How did you survive the disease?

And why were you snooping around the old headquarters of OSRA?” This time, the corner of the man’s left eye twitched. “Are you working for them?” the doc asked. “Are you our enemy too?”

An awkward silence hung in the air, making Evelyn check her watch again. The man rubbed his forehead in between his eyes and sighed deeply. The man spoke in a deep voice. “I don’t work for Zonin if that’s what you want to know.”

Cassidy’s ears perked up. She had never heard of that name before, but the look on Spencer’s face made her realize that it was definitely important.

“I’m not your enemy, but I cannot tell you what I am.” The man said with finality.

A quick glance at the lie-detector told the doctor that the man was telling the truth. “Then what were you doing at the old headquarters of the OSRA?” “I cannot answer that,” he replied curtly.

While Dr. Reid continued asking more questions, the lie detector repeatedly showed that the man’s answers were true “Are you sure you built that thing properly, Spencer?”

Cassidy asked him mischievously. Spencer was offended.

“Of course I built it perfectly! Who do you think you’re talking to right now? I built a perfect miniature replica of the Apollo—which actually worked—when I was only 8 years old! I even won five science fairs in a row during middle school and became the runner up at an international robotics contest a few years ago.”

“Really? Then what did you build to win that contest? A ‘perfect miniature replica’ of a Transformer ‘which actually worked’?” Cassidy laughed.

“Nope,” Spencer gave her an exasperated look. Then he stuck his chin up proudly. “I built the Remarkable and Exceptional Unit number 01, also known as REU01!”

“Cool!” The twins interjected as Cassidy was about to make fun of the robot’s name. “So you built REU02 also?” Nick asked.

“Yep!” Spencer smiled proudly. “REU02’s the new and improved version of REU01.”

Cassidy wanted to tease him a bit more but thought better of it after seeing Evelyn check her watch again.

Evelyn pushed her chair back and quickly started pacing.

“I wonder what’s taking them so long…I have a bad feeling.” She looked at them with serious eyes. “When their watches beeped earlier, it meant that there’s something up at the entrance. Usually it’s just random people bothering the security, but…it shouldn’t take them this long.”

Just as Cassidy realized the weight of her words, an earshattering alarm exploded throughout the building.

“I knew it,” Evelyn muttered. “Run. Run!” Everyone, including Doc, Simon, and the other agent, started running. “Get them to Exit 7 and head for the safehouse,” she told Spencer. “I’m going to get the Doc out of here and find out what’s happening.”

She gave a small device to each of them. “These are communication devices. Put them in your ears so I can talk to you. I’ll try to figure out what the emergency alarm is for and tell you. Go now, and hurry!”

As the four weaved in and out of hallways and hurried through several stairways, Cassidy remembered the fire in the old HQ. “This is similar isn’t it?” Spencer was surprised at her pale watch again.

Evelyn pushed her chair back and quickly started pacing.

“I wonder what’s taking them so long… I have a bad feeling.” She looked at them with serious eyes. “When their watches beeped earlier, it meant that there’s something up at the entrance. Usually it’s just random people bothering the security, but…it shouldn’t take them this long.”

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Just as Cassidy realized the weight of her words, an earshattering alarm exploded throughout the building.

“I knew it,” Evelyn muttered. “Run. Run!” Everyone, including Doc, Simon, and the other agent, started running.

“Get them to Exit 7 and head for the safehouse,” she told Spencer. “I’m going to get the Doc out of here and find out what’s happening.” She gave a small device to each of them. “These are communication devices. Put them in your ears so I can talk to you. I’ll try to figure out what the emergency alarm is for and tell you. Go now, and hurry!”

As the four weaved in and out of hallways and hurried through several stairways, Cassidy remembered the fire in the old HQ. “This is similar isn’t it?”

Spencer was surprised at her pale face. “Whoa. You okay, Cassie? Everything’s gonna be fine. This probably isn’t something that scary, so you can calm down.”

“How can I calm down when the one who’s telling me to calm down isn’t calm?”

“Haha, touché.”

Nick and Kate started slowing down after going down several flights of stairs.

“Are you two ok?” Cassidy gasped between breaths.

“Yeah, we’re fine.” Nick replied, and Kate nodded her head.

Spencer picked Kate up and carried her on his back. “It’ll be faster this way,” he told the two sisters who already started protesting. “We’re near the tunnel anyway.”

Cassidy felt something in her ear buzz. Then she heard a voice. “Hello? Can you hear me?” It was Evelyn.

“Cassidy, Spencer, do you copy?”

“Copy,” Cassidy replied.

“Good,” Cassidy heard Evelyn breathe a sigh of relief.

“Where are you now?”

“We’re nearing the exit,” Spencer answered. “Just a few more doors to pass through, and then we’re there. What’s going on anyway?”

Cassidy could feel her blood pounding in her ears. Even without Evelyn telling them, she could already feel what was happening.

“It’s Zonin.They’re trying to take over OSRA. We’re trying to fight back, but I don’t think we’ll beat them.

We’ll have to retreat soon.”

Cassidy licked her dry, cracked lips and cleared her throat.

“What exactly is Zonin?”

Spencer didn’t even look at her face when he answered but continued to run with Kate on his back. “Zonin is an organization formed by some creepos who want the cure.

Well, it’s not that they want the cure; they actually want the microchip because of the weapons your uncle built.”

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Both Spencer and Cassidy glanced at the younger ones to see their reactions, but both simply looked tired and scared. “I heard that the evil scientist guy joined them though,” Spencer added. After going through several rooms and worming their way through several tight passages, Spencer stopped and let Kate down. “Here it is,” he announced. “You guys aren’t allowed to see where the actual exit is though, so turn around while I open it.” When the secret passageway finally opened, the three Onyxes gasped at ingenuity of the man who built it.

“Wow. I couldn’t even tell that there was something there earlier,” Nick marveled at the design. “It’s really high tech! All these machines and microchips and cures really sound technologically advanced.”

Nick and Kate entered the tunnel first, while Cassidy and Spencer followed. After Spencer locked the entrance, he moved to the front to lead the way. “We shouldn’t be too far from the entrance to the safehouse. It’s just a few miles ahead.”

“Spencer, do you copy?”

“Copy,” he replied.

“Most of us are in the tunnel now. How far ahead are you?” Evelyn asked in between breaths. “We might be able to catch up soon.”

“We’re only a couple of miles from the safehouse now.”

“Ok. Then Doc and the big guy should be pretty close to you. Make sure he doesn’t escape because he might know something about Zonin and the whereabouts of the microchip. Zonin really wants to get their hands on the microchip and the weapons. We need to make sure that we find it before they do.”

“All right, we copy,” Spencer replied grimly, and Cassidy gave him a solemn nod. “We’ll make sure he doesn’t get away.”

Cassidy let the others move ahead of her while she followed silently behind. It’s impossible that the suspicious guy knows where the cure is. She thought to herself. Only I know where it’s hidden. While mulling over everything that happened in the past and everything that was happening at the present, there was only one thing she could grasp in her thoughts. I will get the cure myself and stop these people from ever getting the microchip.

To be continued…

Never Give Up

By Lea Koehler My name is Crystallizer. I am the heart and soul of my galaxy. The air that I breathe is contaminated, yet the air that I exhale is pure. The things around me are soiled and rotten until I touch them and make them gems worth tons of gold. The unbearable noise bombards my ears so that the rest of my company will only hear what is good. My voice extinguishes the anger of others with its beautiful and soothing tone.

What would happen to my home land if I vacated my place forever? That question does not mean anything to me at all since that will never happen... …Or could it? Had I forgotten that my will is not the only one in the world? Had I let down my guard and presumed that every person desires pleasure and happiness?

After being kidnapped from my dear dwelling by rough creatures that walk on two legs, I have endured ten days in a cell with only one window and one door.

No matter how much air I breathe in and exhale, how much space my fingers sweep over, and how many songs I sing, it isn’t enough to clean this filthy and miserable place. Old waste from comets’ tails and small, flimsy, and burnt material are all before my eye. Loud shrieks of terror and evil laughter never cease to fill my ears. My hair possesses many knots and smells foul. The two eyes on each side of my face feel dry and swollen. The ears that project over my hair are wrinkled and infected.

With all of this forced upon me so swiftly and suddenly, I cannot help becoming devastated and sullen. Death seems to be enveloping me in his arms. There seems to be no way out of this path towards destruction…

Or is there? What had my mother said so very long ago?

“Never give up, my daughter, until you have nothing left.”

After many hours of pondering my mother’s words in my distorted mind, I realize that those words still are relevant to me.

“Never give up, my daughter, until you have nothing left.”

I cling to the pendant which holds a strand of hair from every dear person that I know and a piece of rock from the land of my birth. I still have this treasure with me; therefore, I must continue to fight.

“Yes!” I shout to all those who can hear me and all those who can’t. “Yes! You have not seen the last of me yet!”

A light shines in my single eye that rests on my forehead. A vibration courses down my arms. My ears give off a static shock. My lips curve into a happy- yet determined- smile.

I shall not know defeat.

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Kyra Clark Natalie Kellner Mary Schmitt Mara Ng Rebecca Holzapfel MaryClare Kellner Lea Koehler

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