Traitor

I will never forget the look of fear and worry in my mother’s eyes as she shook me awake in the middle of the night. Gunshots were ringing in my ears as my mother and I raced away from our beloved estate. As we stealthily snuck out, screams that were distant and muffled inside the walls of my childhood home were suddenly very sharp, painful, and clear. I held onto my mother’s hand as tightly as possible; clamping my eyes shut so I wouldn’t have to see any more of the gruesome scenes partaking around me. After what felt like an eternity my mother stopped; relieved I wouldn’t have to move any further I opened my eyes only to freeze at the sight of my mother on the ground, with her eyes wide and lips dripping with blood.  ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~    I blink my eyes awake as the TV turns on.  “What are you doing Kate?”, I ask groggily while rubbing my eyes. “Shhhh, they’re about to announce everyone's group’s”, she says, silencing me. “Welcome everyone, you’re watching ‘Breaking news’ with Michelle Smith. The time has come for the 3rd purge in all of American history. As we all know, 4 years ago, before the start of the second purge, the government introduced a new system; the Group Survivor Program. If you cannot recall, the Group Survivor Program is where citizens at the age of 18 and older are paired with 3 others. Together, they must survive the full 24 hours of the purge without anyone unfortunately passing. If any groups make it past the purge alive, they will split a reward of $1 million. It is a completely optional program as you can opt whether or not you want to be part of the program. In the last purge, 40 million Americans decided to be a part of the program. This year, I am proud to announce that about 100 million Americans entered their names in the Group Survivor Program-” “Hopefully, we are paired with people our age, right?” Yeah. Hopefully… I nod. “-time for the groups to be announced! The first group is Tyler Angus(19), Nina Harris(25), Missy Wilde(27), and Gordon Ramsay(54)-” “Wow, I never would’ve thought that a celebrity would participate in a randomized program like this!”, Kate exclaimed. “Isn’t he British?” I ask. “Yeah I think so, but it says his name right there” I shrug. 1 hour later. “Ughhhhhhh, when are they gonna say our names!” Kate says, dragging out the “s”. “Better be soon or else I’m going back to sleep,” I respond. “OMG I think this is finally our turn!”, she squeals. “-the 666th group is Sydney Hayes(18), Kate Miller(18), Zach Wilson(19), and Mason Taylor(19). The 667th-” “I knew we’d be together Kate!” I squeal. “Hm, who are Zach and Mason?” Kate frowns. “Dunno, hopefully, they’re useful,” I reply, picking up my phone. “Or maybe they’re hot.” She smirks. “Whatever,” I say.