Chapter 5

My mom didn't say a word for a long moment. At last, there was a sharp slap on her thigh, clearly showing her frustration.

"Wait, you've made a mistake. My eldest daughter, Lucy, was the one chosen. Someone came by to tell us just yesterday."

"No mistake at all," the visitor replied kindly. "Take another look—the name on the list is Emily."

"No way, that's impossible. Someone gave us notice yesterday. How could it be Emily?"

"She's short and ordinary—how could she ever be picked for the honor guard?"

My mom burst out, voice full of disbelief and irritation.

Noticing…