1st Rd Sm Press Contest #21 - New Middleport: The Senses of Weiland Kershaw

New Middleport: The Senses of Weiland Kershaw
YA Dystopian
50,958

Query:

Weiland’s only hope to avoid death in a violent city stems from his father’s training.  His heightened senses and ability to wield a knife, plus constant reminder to stay away from the rebellion provides protection for the ones he holds dearest – even if they mean him harm.

After one of the merciless rulers brutalizes an acquaintance to near death, Weiland saves his life by bringing him to his most trusted protector.  This kind gesture quickly involves him and his friends in a plot with the rebellion to escape the city.  It’s not only dangerous, but the rebels have planned this escape for years with the secret intention of Weiland to be their leader.

He has spent his youth protecting those he considers family. Now he must decide whether to risk death by attempting to escape or trust the words of his father urging him away from the rebellion.

First 150 Words:

I know something is wrong when the shower cuts off.  It’s fortunate that all showers are only programmed for two minutes; otherwise, whoever has entered my hole of an apartment might’ve gotten the drop while I rinsed the daily filth.  You wouldn’t think that two minutes is enough time to break into an apartment quietly, but I guess it wouldn’t be a normal day without someone being killed.

***

“Do you hear that Weiland?”  I remember when my dad would sit me underneath the bathroom sink during his showers.  The cabinet doors to the sink would be closed, and it was his way of trying to adapt my ears to hear beyond outside noises.  I respond as innocently as possible, “Other than the water?”  My dad appreciated my humor when I was ready to answer his questions correctly.  He used to say that humor is the only way to see beyond the sunshine.