Life Between Us

It has been five dreadful years since our Father died, there is still no explanation or evidence about his death. According to some rumor, he died in an accident while he was away. Some assumed that he fell during horseback riding, something he does every year at the Kingdom's Festival. The reason I don't believe that rumor is that my Father is a master of that sport, a champion who has never been defeated by anyone in the state. It's doubtful that he died from falling off his horse, yet his horse is also missing. I want to delve into his death and figure out why he died, but it's impossible to do so, especially if you're from Slithe, the poorest village in the state. We don't have any money. It maybe hard, but we can't do anything about it. Our Father worked extremely hard for us so that we could eat three times a day at the very least. He worked tirelessly to give us clothing, supplies, and whatever else we needed in order for us to be happy and content. Since he passed away, our lives have changed. As the oldest child in this household, I am responsible for providing financial support for Mother and Joanne. My mother has been terribly sick since my father died. My dad is her home. I made a promise to my Father that when I grow up and both of my parents grow old, I will do my best to help them. I will work even if it cost my life. My family is my happiness, they are my strength, and without them, I am nothing. "Ellie, are you sure that you are going?", With teary eyes, my mother asked. She doesn't want me to go to Yglithe, the Royal Kingdom, where the nicest and rudest people in the state can be found. Yglithe is much out of our league, and it's also a long way from my hometown. My Mother always think that I would end up like my Father. He also died in Yglithe, yet until now, there's still no evidence of his death. She believed that it is the Royal's doings. "I need to, Mother. This is for you and Joanne, for us. We need to live," I said to her. "Don't worry, I'll be home".  Today is September 12th, and there is only one day left till the selection. I am prepared to serve the Royals. Father, this is for you, and I want you to be proud of me.   Being a servant in the Royal Kingdom means that you are willing to serve the Royal Family. You are responsible for washing their clothes, cooking delicious foods for them, and following instructions. This year, the Queen will select 5 other servants. There are many servants in the Kingdom who have resigned their jobs because they can't stand the Queen and Princess's attitude. The Queen is known to be strict and demanding. She is always striving for perfection. Those servants who couldn't carry out their jobs perfectly would be terminated right away. Her husband is the exact opposite of her. Some have claimed that the King is extremely generous to his people. He knows how to treat people fairly, regardless of their social status. He enjoys helping the poor and those in desperate need. Some have also said that Princess Katie is a replica of her mother, with the same attitude and personality, which is why so many people in the state dislike her. Prince Joeffrey, however, got his father's attitude. He is very popular in every town and most of the girls in different towns have a crush on him. He is known to be both handsome and kind, according to many who knows him. He is the epitome of perfection and a perfect husband. Well, let's see whether those Royal Family rumors are true. I'm preparing the things I'll need to bring into the Kingdom tonight. I make sure to bring decent clothes, my notebook where I always write what I feel, a pen, and the little music box that my Father gave me. This gift brings back many memories from when he was alive. He bought it for me since I love classical music, especially Beethoven's Fur Elise. Beethoven is my favorite composer because of his ability to express feelings into music. He composed Fur Elise for Therese, the woman he deeply loved but refused to marry him. She was his student, and he fell in love with her around the time that Fur Elise was being composed. It's unknown why she ditched him and married someone else after rejecting his proposal. Fur Elise is a wonderfully melodious and nostalgic piece for me. My father noticed my love for music and got me this music box for my 18th birthday. "El, don't forget to bring this", my Mom give me my medicines. During allergy season, I have problems breathing since I have allergic asthma. "I nearly forgot, thanks Mom". "Remember to take good care of your health. Write us a letter always if ever you'll be chosen. Don't forget to drink water always", she said while hugging me very tightly. She is crying...again. I know that she will miss me a lot. I'll miss her, too. "Yes, Mom. I will take good care of myself", I said patting her back. "Joanne! Come here!" "What?". There he goes again, pretending to not care about me leaving. He refused to look me in the eye. I laughed. "I will leave the house tomorrow, please take good care of Mom. Be a good boy and don't make some actions that will make Mom stress, okay?", he looks me in the eyes this time and starts crying.  "Why do you have to leave? We will miss you so much, please don't leave", he said, crying. "I have to, Joanne, I have to. I'll be back for you and Mom. I'll make sure to bring you your favorite foods. I love you". My tears start to fall. I will miss them so much. "Now, Joanne, go to your bed. It's already late. Make sure to wake up early tomorrow for El". "Yes, Mom. Goodnight". Tomorrow is the day. I will do my best to be selected...for my family.