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Simon woke up and rubbed his eyes, looking around. All around him was dead brown grass, and at his feet a rock held down a piece of paper. The dusty road led over the hill, and the sun began to hurt his eyes. He sat up to peer at the paper, dust falling as he did so. How long had he been there? Where was everyone else? He once again looked at the paper under the rock. He carefully took ahold and lifted the rock. He quickly scanned it's contents anxious to see what it said. He lowered his eyes and let out a long sigh. "Why does it always end like this? Didn't I do my best?" Many things ran through his head as he contemplated yesterdays events.
Simon had moved into a small town. The folks seemed normal, happy and friendly. He had only been there for a short time and knew almost all that lived there. He chose to work at the local store for that was were he could meet the most people. Then one day there was a town get together. Everyone was in a cheery mood and had warmly welcomed him. Simon looked around at every face saying their names and smiling with a nod for hello. He had finally felt like he belonged and could be accepted for who and what he was. He slept very well that night and woke in a good mood. It was almost the weekend and he was planing a trip to the top of the nearest mountain where he could refresh himself for a new week. At closing time he quickly finished sweeping the floor and put all the equipement away neatly where it belonged. Said goodbye to everyone and walked home. Simon pulled out his worn out backpack and laid it on the narow bed. He carefully moved about the room selecting the things he would need for his trip. He swore this time he would be allowed to go home. If he missed one thing then he would have to start all over. One blue shirt, a faded pair of jeans, 2 pairs of socks, underware, headband, water bottle....... Those where the easy things. Simon opened the top drawe in the little desk and pulled out the map of his home. Careful not to crumple it, he put it in the side pocket. Next he went to the closet and took down a golden robe and headband to match. In a small box on the top shelf held the most important pieces, a ring and wrist watch. Those he put in last, picked up the pack and walked out the door. Hopefully this would be the last he saw of the town, to fail would mean to move to a new town and wait for the next opening. He was lucky this time to find a small friendly town. He walked up the path toward the top of the mountain and as expected he was joined by others he knew. Others that like him, where trying to get back home. Slowly in his mind he looked at each one as they joined him on the road. All of a sudden he opened his eyes! He picked up the note and reread it. "Simon, did you really think you could go home?" Every time the note said the same thing. How many times had he seen that face? How could he have followed him? But those eyes, the same eyes he had seen in the trial. It couldn't be! They said coming to this planet he would be protected. Simon started to panic as he realize he would never see his home planet again. He needed to run and hide. It had all been a ruse.
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