On Our Own P4 Morning came too early. I didn't sleep well, and had just began to doze when I heard the dull buzz of my alarm, ringing into the silent air. Darkness still leached throughout my room, it was incredibly early but if I were to dress, feed the animals, and walk to work, I needed enough time to do it. Though it had been exceptionally warm, for being just the beginning of summer, when I threw off my blankets goosebumps covered my body, unprepared for the chilly air that surrounded me. Carefully stumbling about the space I slept in until my fingers found the chain to my light and pulled it to ignite a steady glow just bright enough for my eyes to adjust so I could gather clothes. Nagging at the back of my mind, were the recaps from the night previous; the large bolded letters, spelling out near doom for our region. Images of crops withering and crumpling haunted my vision, suddenly I couldn't move, just frozen in terror, shuddering. I'm finally snapped from my trance when my slams open, standing in the doorway is my father. I haven't seen him all week, he never gets up this early. Unless, of course, he only just got home. He leant against the way, something clearly on his mind, he cleared his throat and glanced up at up me, finally speaking. "Be careful today," he warned, "They'll be pushing harder, and they're going to try and get in your head, make you think it's okay to bring water from home to use on the crop." He eyes me, knowing how easily I fall when I shouldn't, "Don't listen, Brynnie, you know Comrads are users. Stay close to the boys, they'll be less tempted to throw threats your way then." He explained with his tough 'n rough tone, which only softened for his family. He met my eyes, making sure I fully understood what he was telling me. Of course I knew, I'd been in hot water with Comrads before, and I knew I could outsmart them and get away from them. I searched his expression for a moment, before I flew across the room and wrapped my arms around him. He smelt strongly of oil and grease and hard work, a smell that others would turn their noses up too, while I grew up with it, and found it more comforting than any cologne. "I'll be careful." I promised, breathing in his scent once more before letting go. I stood in there for a moment, watching as he disappeared down the hallway and into my parents room. I smiled subconsciously, returning to my small collection of clothing before changing and preparing for the day of hard labour I would be facing.