Can my principle help us get out of here?

I am currently digging and preparing the grave for my parents. Even though my muscles are already puny and my overall health has deteriorated, I am trying my best to give them a decent place to rest.  

FLASHBACK

I arrived early at the examination hall. The place is big enough to accommodate thousands of examinees. To put it in perspective, it will take you almost 5 minutes to reach the end of it. So, good luck if your examinee number is on the thousandth denomination. Aside from that, the chairs are also organized in a manner that cheating is impossible. There are CCTV cameras everywhere and a big hanging clock at the front. 

I took a deep breath before entering the place. As I enter, my heart starts to beat fast and my ears can hear its every stomp. Every step I took is creating a noise that echoes at every wall of this hall. Those echoes have attracted the attention of few students who are also here. Their stares feel like they are staring at my mind and soul; trying to guess if I am one the student that can pass the probably one of the hardest exams in the world.

As I approach to my assigned seat, I began to feel the pressure. A pressure that starts to eat me every time I remember that this exam is not just for my future but also for my parents. I need to perform well or else I will be at the bottom forever.

As I occupied the seat given to me, I tried to familiarize its every detail; the edges, color, texture, and even the size. This is my way of coping and somehow a strategy to easily adjust to the atmosphere of my examination place.

In 30 minutes to 1 hour of staying on my chair, I didn’t notice that the seats are almost filled in. Moments later, several individuals wearing black suits entered the room carrying a box. It must be the questionnaires, I guess?

They went to their respective monitoring spot and placed the boxes at the top of their table. The boxes were sealed and covered by several layers of cling wrappers. It looks they ensured that questionnaires won’t leak.

Moments after, a lady with a distinct appearance among other men has entered the show. She wears a white suit with a bright red tie in the middle, a black simple watch, and high heels shoes. Her hair is tied in a way she will look neat and clean, she’s wearing red lipstick, and have­ an emotionless reaction. All of us were struck by the appeal and vibes she’s giving. The rumors are true; you can immediately tell who’s the ‘boss.’

She walks to the podium that is located at the bottom of the big hanging clock. Before speaking, she gently taps the mic to check if it's working.

“Today I am in front of ten thousand people who are here to test their intelligence and ability if they’re worthwhile to join the higher class. For those who will pass, we will grant you a work position and a chance to include someone in our class. Good luck and see you later.”

The guys who are wearing black suits started to distribute the questionnaires. They place it on our table upside down. For a while, I prepared the pen I will use. I also brought some extra in case I encounter some problems.

The ‘boss’ walks again in the podium while checking her watch. She displayed a hand gesture which I think a sign to other officers that the exam will finally commence, and they immediately went to their monitoring spots. The boss grabs the mic and announces that the exam will start in a few minutes.  

I waited for this moment. After months of sleepless nights, mental breakdowns, and little to no social interaction, I can finally apply all the things I took on my review sessions. I study hard for this exam and I am confident that I will pass it.

Minutes before the exam, I saw a man running towards my location. He’s sweaty and disorganized. I looked to my left position and there’s no sitting on it. Maybe that chair is for him.

“Did the exam already started? Gosh, I didn’t review for this”, he said.

“Not yet.”, I answered.

I continued minding my own business again until the bell rang that gives a sign the assessment will finally begin.

As I flipped the paper, my world started to tear apart. I didn’t review and prepared for these topics. None of these questions is tackled in the review sessions. How come? They gave some pointers to review and I thought those are the coverage of the exam. Sht! I knew it. They manipulated us into thinking that we should review something else.

My hands are getting wet and I can’t stop my feet from stomping on the floor. I looked at other examinees and they looked the same; desperate and worried.

I was scanning the whole hall with my eyes and I noticed the man on my left side, that’s the man who's running earlier trying to catch up. He look so confident while answering the exam, and I am confused and wondering how come he can answer it easily while the majority of us are having a hard time. I secretly called him, by whispering. I got his attention and I asked him how he can answer the exam so easily. He doesn’t answer me, instead, he wrote on a piece of paper and then gave it to me. He’s careful with his move so we won’t get caught.

“I think they accidentally included the answer key to our exam. I have it right now! Don’t worry I will give it to you later.”

I simply rejected his offer and decided to go back to answer my paper. I can do it. I will not cheat because that’s the right thing to do. People who cheat are losers and who don’t believe in their abilities. Cheating will not lead you to success. That’s the principle my parents planted in my mind, and that’s the principle I will hold forever.

END OF FLASHBACK

Scarcity and famine are rampant at the bottom. Only the higher class have the access to unlimited resources. That's why I tried my really best to leave this place. I study hard and hard and hard but it looks like it's not enough.

After that exam, I've been thrown back to this hell. A hell with no opportunity to live and the only choice is to die.

My father and mother died of hunger, and anytime soon I might join them, too.

If I just cheated and accepted the offer of that guy, this would not have happened.   

If I have just chosen that door, I may have a good life today. How pathetic I am for holding on to my principle if in the end, it will be non-sense.

Author's note:

This prompt is inspired by @meitanteikudo and @JonicaBradley

Meitanteikudo created a prompt a few days ago and I decided to create my entry for it.

You are standing in front of two 
doors and the choice is yours 
whether which one to open.
Write a story about what happens 
after you have chosen one path.

Elevator Doors

On the other hand, Miss Jonica also posted a prompt about cheating and I think this story I am writing is also qualified for it.

The rules for the wiring prompt are simple:

1. Write about cheating

2. Write 100% original content

3. Write at least 600 words

4. Tag me @JonicaBradley

5. Have fun

Writing Prompt #6: Cheating

I am inspired to create flash fiction because of @Nyctofiles. I love every piece of his work. You can check it out!

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