Sage And Other Herbs That Grow Through Dirt

    Iris had heard the stories, but she never thought she would be a victim. As far as she knew, her parents were on good terms with the government and had a stable income. At least more stable than most, these days even the most aren’t much. The night that everything went down, Iris was home alone waiting for her parents to get off work. She boiled some water for tea and turned on the radio to listen to any updates. The crackling disembodied voice listed off the names of the most recent families taken into the labor camps. Iris shuddered at the thought of her family being whisked away and being subjected to procedures or whatever the government did with people once they got a hold of them. She took a deep breath as she listened to the never-ending list of names. Taylor and Vincent Jacobs. Lauren, Tobias, and Thomas Forester. Ingrid, and Abraham Stone. Porcelain bits of a teacup covered the floor as Iris’s hands shook.  “No. No, there must be a mistake.” Iris mumbled to herself. Her breathing picked up and tears pricked her eyes as she rushed around the house looking for a hiding spot. She thought that maybe if the officials thought no one was at the house she wouldn’t have to go. Iris brought her knees up to her chest as she maneuvered herself into a small crawl space under the stairs. She closed her eyes and tried to even out her breathing. Breath in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, and hold for 4 again. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked down at her hands. They were shaking and she had to sit on them to keep still. Iris let out a small gasp as the front door slammed open.     “Iris!?” It was her mom's voice. Iris’s eyes filled with tears again as she shoved the door open and crawled out.      “What’s going on?” Iris’s voice trembled. Her dad handed her a fully packed hiking bag and brought his hand to her shoulder.      “You need to get your winter coat and boots. We have essentials packed for you but eventually, it will run out. Run through the forest and go north.”      “What? Dad, you sound crazy!” Iris yelled.     “I know. I’m sorry, there's nothing else we can do. They’re coming to take us, but you can escape.” Her mom gave her a tight hug as she set down her boots.      “Why can’t we all go together?” Iris cried. She was only 18, barely a legal adult. How was she going to do this on her own?       “Iris, you know that’s not an option.” Her dad slipped a compass into her hand as he gave her one last hug.     “We love you.” Her mom kept a strong face but Iris could see the grief behind her eyes.      “Stay safe.” Her dad said as he guided her out the back door.      “I love you.” Iris whipped her tear-stained cheeks and took one more deep breath as she started for the woods.