Pant. Pant.
I hurried through the tall, sturdy grass, swiping each individual line away. My body was aching immensely as my legs began to fail me.
How long had I been running for?
I thought to myself. At its peak, the sun shone down, sending beams of rays that began to penetrate my nape; a burning sensation beginning to form in the middle of it. Paying no attention to the stinging sensation, I rushed forward without a halt. Before long, I finally reached the exit of the vast maze-like field before I could see a tall house in my sight. The windows were placed symmetrically, a double door at the entrance, two chimneys on either side like cat ears with puffs of smoke being released from within.
On either side of the house, a red barn lay peacefully. Two horses, a pig, a cat, and a dozen sheep. All moved smoothly through the field. The sky was clear; no clouds in sight as the sun sat beautifully watching from above. Perfection.
"Jolynn!" I heard a voice say from the distance.
Looking at the entrance of the house, I saw my mother standing there, a basket cradled in her left arm, wearing a beautiful sundress. I rushed over towards her, a hug smile upon my face, not wanting to make her wait any longer.
"Yes, mother." I replied with enthusiasm.
"You have a letter." She said in her soothing voice. Her voice was angelic.
"A letter? From whom?" I said as she handed it to me.
Quickly, I ripped off the front of the envelope, revealing a short letter contained within, a train ticket, and a smaller note in the bottom right. The handwriting was neat. From the looks of it, I could tell it was someone higher class than myself.
Dear Jolynn Parker
I am thrilled to announce that you have been appointed to take part in a social experiment. I am a psychologist who has been approved by the APA to be allowed to conduct this experiment. The benefits of such will prove to be immense for the future of our beautiful country. I urge you to join me to build a foundation that will improve this nation. Of course, you will be offered a great amount of money. I am offering twenty million dollars for your cooperation. I have left everything else in the letter. I am thoroughly waiting for your arrival.
Yours sincerely, The Psychologist.
"No name?" My mother said, suspicious of the letter.
"Guess someone as rich and famous as him wouldn't want to disclose such a thing. We can't understand how rich minds work."
"He is givin us a lotta money. You goin for it, eh?"
"Of course, and mother, I told you to start speaking properly."
"Come on, it aint that big a deal now, child. I'll pack your stuff, and you gotta head out right away."
After a few hours of packing and deciding what attire I would choose to wear, I finally made my way into the small cab. Looking back one last time at the place I called home, I buckled in for the long adventure that awaited.
The train station was terribly busy. I had to push my way through the masses of people scurrying around to finally reach my platform, Entering the carriage, I tried to locate the position of my seat to the best of my ability.
When I had finally reached there, I noticed that two people were already sitting on opposite ends. The man, clean shaven, wore a tailor-made suit, a cup of tea in one hand, and a book in the other. Next to him, a woman, beautiful and soft. She wore a lovely brown dress that reached her ankles.
"Hello, may I sit here?" I asked politely. Both nodded in reply.
"I'm Jolynn Parker. May I have your names?"
"I'm Annabeth."
"And I am Harold Bane. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise."
"I may be misguided, but are you also here after receiving a letter about some experiment?" Annabeth asked, her voice as soft as her appearance.
"Yes, are you all here for the same reason as well?" I asked, shocked.
The nods answered my question.
"I am curious as to how someone could have orchestrated to choose us out of everyone specifically, from different areas, to board onto the same exact train and into the same exact seats." Harold said.
"I guess we will find out that answer when we meet him. We shouldn't be too carefree." I replied, my body beginning to tense up slightly. It was going to be a very anxious train ride that I knew very well but alas we must continue.
Onwards!