So my dad used to write what entry it was, but I don’t think I’m gonna do that. I need to find my own way of writing. Did you know my mom started teaching me to write when I was 4? She died before I got really good, and then my dad finished teaching me. Anyway, right now I’m working in the fields.

  There isn’t much to write about. It’s just watering plants, pulling weeds by hand, and harvesting by hand too. Abby’s probably in the chicken pen collecting eggs. We’ve all got a tight chore schedule. 20 more minutes in the field and then breakfast in the food hall.

  We all eat together to save as much food as possible. Winter’s coming—105 days left. Winter here is harsh and cold, and we can’t grow anything then. We have to store enough food to make it to next year’s first harvest.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  After I’m done in the field, I meet up with Abby, Ashley, and Drake in the food hall. Drake’s 17, and he showed me the ropes for working in the field. Ashley’s 15 and works with the animals like Abby. Drake’s Ashley’s brother, and Katie—Drake’s girlfriend—sits with us too. We talk about our day, and Drake leans over.

  “You look like a love sick puppy,” he whispers, teasing me.

  My face turns red. Katie laughs. Abby and Ashley look confused.

  “What’s so funny?” Abby asks.

  “Nothing,” I say. “Just Drake teasing me.” I lightly hit Drake’s arm and he pretends it hurts. Katie laughs again.

  Kathy and Martha join us at the table. When we’re done eating, the teens go off to hang while Kathy and Martha chat with their friends.