The Gift By Aditi Nair, 13 Midlothian, VA A clattering drip-drop of rain frightened even theslightest bit of light. The wind whispered through the crowd, enveloping each individual in fear. They stood, open-eyed, awaiting the announcement–the moment of destiny. Avery was among the citizens. She spotted others brushing off theslightest bit of dust from their clothes, or as some called it, rags. When people from High Lethamade an appearance, they always had to look their best. The town square was usually a livelyplace with smiles and laughter, but it seemed as if even the weather wasn’t cooperating. “You are all gathered here for one reason, to makeLetha a better place, a better home,” the tallest man on the podium elucidated. His eyes hidbehind chestnut locks of hair, and everyone could sense the annoyance and lack of energy justfrom his voice. All knew the lies that he told. Letha was not complete;it was broken and empty. Split between the rich, poor, and the in-between. High Letha wouldhave been a nice place to live if the denizens kept to themselves with humility. Avery rolledher pale blue eyes. It did not matter if the man who spoke forgot his line or if he messed up alittle, but if she made the slightest wrong gesture, that would be her death wish. The Board couldnot stand differences, and no one went against their word. No one. “… living amongst the shadows of both the Rightsand the Lefts, you should know where you stand. Thank you all, and I will now let my friendfrom The Board speak,” he concluded. His speech catalyzed a wildfire of murmurs. Avery nervouslyscanned the people around her. Everyone was talking about her sister, Aura. Aura was a Left. A rebel. The Board gave her the giftof dance, but her heart was in music. Anyone who went against or ignored their gift wasdeemed a criminal. Aura was a sweet and loving girl, but no one liked a Left. “Hello, everyone. Glad you made it to this place.Avery Zecker, please come up to the podium for your gift,“ the member from The Board announced.The whispers halted; it was as if the world paused right before her eyes. Desperately grabbingonto the only sliver of hope, she prayed to receive the gift of Knowledge. “We, The Board, present to you a gift; the gift ofProphecy.”