Choosing Ceremony (1/1)

<8:37 am>        “Annie-ah…Just know that we love you. And if you are chosen…” Annie’s mother said to her seventeen year old daughter as she gently held her face. She cradled her face in her warm and comforting hands as if it was the most rare and beautiful piece of porcelain she had ever held.         “Mama.. I won’t be chosen. I’ll come home with you, Papa, Rie unni, and Kenta tonight after the ceremony. I will..I…I will…” She started to stutter and shake, afraid of the possible fate that may be waiting for her that night. Then she started to cry, remembering when her brother was taken away from their family. He was chosen that year. Five years ago her dear older brother was dragged away after that very short time he was allowed to say his goodbyes to his family.         “Annie..” Her father called to her and she ran into his open arms, hugging him tightly around his torso.         “Papa…I’m so scared…I-I…What if I’m picked?” She asked, feeling anxious but more safe once she was in his arms. He stroked her hair and rubbed her back, hoping to calm her down.         “Annie-ah.. There are a lot of others your age so there is a less chance of your name being picked. Your possibility of being picked is a lot less than your brother’s and Rie’s.. So you have nothing to worry about baby girl. Just go with confidence, and meet the rest of us afterwards so we can come home together, alright?” He said, kissing her forehead and she nodded into his chest, shaking like a leaf. ___________________<12:42 pm - The announcement ceremony> Annie POV        “…and to protect our Moon Kingdom, as well as the other four, we must choose two of the young adults from our kingdom and present them to the gods that reside in the enchanted forest……This three hundred and first year’s sacrifices are..Lee Sungmin, and Kumamoto Annie.” My heart sank and I couldn’t move. I could feel people grabbing my arms and leading me to the stage, but I felt like I couldn’t process what was really happening. Once brought up to the stage, I was placed next to Lee Sungmin. We stood next to each other and looked into each other’s eyes fearfully. During those few seconds, we shared our fears and our hopes for the best.         When our eyes broke away from each other, my now tear-filled eyes  searched through the crowd of families frantically. When I couldn’t find them, I started to panic, hoping and wishing the announcer would hurry and end this so I could go see them. To at least receive their warm hugs and kisses before I am sent off as this year’s sacrifice. ______________<2:03 pm>         “Annie-ah!” I turned immediately at hearing my elder sister’s frantic call for me, fresh tears streaking down both of our faces.         “Unni!” I yelled, running towards her and into her embrace. She held me to her as tight as she could, her whole body shaking as she sobbed.         “My baby sister…” She said as she held me in her arms, one hand on my back and the other held my head as if to protectively cradle me against her..         “Unni…I…I…I’m so scared….” I stuttered, crying into her shoulde