[ WP ] Everybody who turns 25 learns a reality shattering secret about the world . Nobody has ever leaked this secret to somebody under 25 . Today is your 25th birthday .

`` I've laid you're clothes out for you Ricky.'' My mother says as I lick the milk from my cereal off of my lips. 
 
 `` Oh yeah, it is.'' I say slightly nervously as I get up from my seat at the kitchen table. My mom then hugs me while I put my bowl in the sink. 
 
 `` Happy birthday, Ricky.'' She rubs her hand through my hair. This is the last time I'll ever see my mom again. She's part of the old generation, meaning that she was too old before the rule was put into effect by the Master Unit. And because of her age, this means that she does n't know the secret. Those who do n't, and are past the age of 25, are set aside as outcasts. Once their children are of age, they are sent to the Outer Lands to die. 
 
 `` Thanks Mom.'' I say with a sniffle. I have no idea what my life will be like without my Mom in it. She's the only one I've ever had. I never knew my father. He died in The War. He was one of those who opposed the Master Unit at first. As a punishment for his disobedience, the Master Unit had everything that even slightly acknowledged the existence of The Movement destroyed. This included my Mother's memory of my Father's appearance. The Master Unit was gracious enough to allow my Mother the knowledge of my father's existence and what happened to him. But my Mom wishes otherwise. For if she had n't known of his death, then maybe she would n't sorrowfully weep every night. 
 
 `` C'mon now.'' She says. `` Let's get you dressed.'' 
 
 Hours Later... 
 
 I ca n't help but think what horrible secret is about to be told to me as Mother drops me off in front of the Master Building. 
 
 `` It'll be fine.'' She says to me reassuringly. `` Who knows, It may be a happy thing after all.'' 
 
 `` Even if it is, Mom, I'll never be able to tell you. For if I do, they'll kill the both of us. 
 
 `` Then do n't tell me. I'd rather die not knowing what it was, than dying because I knew what it was.'' There was a sincerity in my mom's face. A sort that I'd not seen before. I wondered what would happen to my Mother in the Outer Lands. I hope it is n't the desolate wasteland that they say it is. A great person like her does n't deserve to be ended by a wild animal. She deserves a quiet, peaceful death. `` It's time.'' 
 
 `` Alright.'' I say as I wipe a tear from my cheek. `` Goodbye Mom.'' I say as I hug her and refuse to let go. After about a minute, I have no choice but to let go, because the Master Unit's guards come inside the car and tear us apart. `` I LOVE YOU MOM!'' I scream out as I fill my eyes with tears - not being able to see my Mother for the last time. 
 
 `` I LOVE YOU TOO. REMEMB-'' I do n't hear the rest of her words, because the doors to the Master Building shut loudly before I can hear her. 
 
 The guards drag me to The Control Room, and sit me into a chair. I'm in a dark room, and I have no idea of my surroundings. Then a large flash occurs on what appears to be a large screen in front of me. After the flash, a man's face shows up on the screen. This must be the Master Unit. 
 
 `` Hello Ricky.'' He says 
 
 `` H-hello Master Unit.'' I say reluctantly. 
 
 `` Are you ready to harness the knowledge that has been held from you for the past twenty-five years?'' 
 
 `` Yes, Master Unit.'' I say 
 
 `` Alright.'' He says. For the next hour, I am told the truth about our society. It's a horrible one. I truly do wish I could tell you about it, but there's one problem: 
 You're not 25 
 
 edit: grammar
