https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/7-7.mp4 There was the invitation for a confession—admitting that she trespassed into an unauthorized building, collapsed it, and damaged herself. But as Jioni processed Tracey’s words, she noticed how she encouraged her to take the Junior Trials again. She sat confused. Did Tracey know? Jioni’s breath held; she was taking too long to respond, and …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/7-6.mp4 “You’re so talented and have so much potential. I used to tell your parents that daily,” Tracey said. She typed softly on her keyboard. But it soon became faster and more aggressive. “How would I tell them that their daughter had skipped two days of practice and failed her Junior Agent exam?” Jioni stayed …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/7-5.mov It was evident in Tracey’s silence that the one-word answer didn’t satisfy her. But Jioni struggled to say anything else. She loved Tracey and wanted nothing more than to impress and please her. But at the same time, her energy drained near her. There was no ignoring the ever-present stress that radiated off of …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/7-4.mov Before Jioni could get an apology in, Tracey hugged her. With this hug, the anxiety melted off of Jioni, and her confidence rose. But this was Tracey, after all, and she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was in trouble. That she was only being comforted before being scolded about LaMesha’s report. Jioni’s …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/7-3.mp4 The door creaked open. Latches and chains unclicked and unbuckled. Tracey peeked through the door wearing her button-up collared shirt. She smiled, and her wrinkles became more prominent with her expression. Kind Tracey had opened the door. “Hi…” Jioni smiled back. Her thoughts finally rested. “Don’t knock like that,” Tracey said. She appeared relieved …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/7-2.mov Jioni immediately made a detour to City Hall. It was there off to the distance with its white bricks and Roman-like pillars. How neatly shaven the trees and grass were made it stand out from everything else in City Two. Jioni reached it and climbed up the marble steps. Her legs ached with nervousness …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/7-1.mov The walk was a long, slow, cold one. One with questions Jioni built up in her mind that lacked resolve. She needed to speak to Tracey. The volatile, unpredictable, yet affectionate Mayor Tracey. And as she thought to propose her plan to the mayor tomorrow, her absurd, stolen plan. She had doubts. And doubts …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-28.mov Jioni listened out for Derrin and heard nothing. She glanced back up the stairwell and then back to the wasteland door; it was metal, secure, old, and mysterious, and Jioni was in awe, feeling tempted; slowly, she crept over, placed her hand on the handle, and pulled. The door clicked, and to her surprise, …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6-27.mp4 Climbing down the wall would’ve been an easier task than treading down these dark, dimly lit stairs. As she walked, she thought about what Derrin had said but couldn’t understand any of it—his perspective lacked sense. Being an Agent for 40 years couldn’t be worse than imprisonment, scavenging, and hunger. He said to forget …
https://rosemadi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-26.mp4 “Thanks, Derrin!” Jioni said as she put the gun in her pocket and jumped onto the ledge. The cold wind blew in her face. She took in the view again, sat on the ledge, and waved. “Take the stairs, lizard. Also, bring that thing back tomorrow. Also, also, make sure that gun is off …
