by Focus
© 2000 Focus, all rights reserved
It was Black Box Time, and Raul was scared. Shivers ran down his arms whenever he thought of all that Black Box Time meant, of the changes and the tests and the unknowns, and he felt as though he might throw up. Of course he wouldn't admit he was afraid. No self-respecting ten-year-old boy would admit he was afraid of Black Box Time. Raul had strutted and bragged with the other boys about how ready he was, but all the time he worried about fainting, or bursting into tears when his name was called.
Standing in line with the others, he looked for his parents along the crowd of monitors. They were there, third row ceiling, smiling at him. He could depend on his folks. They had been among his main caregivers for the first 5 years of his life. And one or the other had been on-line for visiting hour every week for the last 5 years, always eager to see his latest sketch, hear about his latest triumph. They were there now. Both had told him before the ceremony how proud they were. For their sake, he attempted a confident grin, and managed a weak smile. It was daunting to think that it would be at least eight years before he was permitted to see their faces again.
At least eight years. Maybe never. Everything depended on how well he did in the black box.
The calling began. Names echoed through speakers. Boys stepped forward, and black walls rose from the floor, closed about them, then sank out of sight. Some boys were not called, the ones judged not ready. He heard someone sobbing, quietly. He heard someone praying. Raul didn't know whether to pray he was among those chosen, or to pray he was among those rejected. It was pride and fear balanced against humiliation and relief. But it didn't matter what he wanted, really... the matter was not under his control.
The boy next to Raul was called, stepped forward, and disappeared from view with a muted yelp.
Then his own name sounded in his ears. Raul couldn't breathe. He could hardly move. But somehow he stepped forward, carefully placing his feet in the center of the small rectangle outlined on the floor. With a small whir, black walls rose around him, folded over him, and clicked together. Not even a seam of light remained. He put his hands out and felt cool smooth plastic on each side. Suddenly the floor dropped from beneath his feet! Raul gasped, too startled to scream! Helpless, the boy plummetted into his future.