"Happy birthday!" Hologram confetti flies through the air as I walk into the dining room of my family's apartment. I see my whole family standing there and I notice a cake on the table. That is something I take for granted. Cake is only eaten in the very wealthy homes. My home is one of them. I walk to the table and immediately hug my mother.

"Thank you Mom. I love you." I say.

"You are welcome, Apollo." Mom says, letting go from the hug. "Let's have some cake!" We all cheer and Mom cuts the cake into slices.

"Open some presents, Apollo!" Dad says. A small box wrapped in wrapping paper is put right in front of me. "This one is from Kyra. She obviously couldn't make it here for this present because of her schooling, but she did send this through the mail. Your sister said that she hopes you like it!"

I grab the small box and start unwrapping it. I lift the lid and see a bracelet. I pick it up to look at it better. It is made of black leather with five blue tendrils coming down. Each tendril has a word burned onto it. Hope. Luck. Intelligence. Belief. Faith.

"Wow. This is awesome! Did she make this?" I ask.

"Yes, she did. In her note, she said that it took her five days to make." Dad says.

"Wow." I slip it over my wrist to find that it is surprisingly stretchy. Mom puts an envelope in front of me. "Who is this from?" I ask.

"Just open it." I grab the envelope and slide my finger under the flap. I pull out the papers that are inside. "Read it out loud." Mom says.

"Dear Apollo Krysh. All the members of the Council of Mori are pleased to see that your eighteenth birthday is today. We have been watching your body language around others, how you speak to others, your emotions, your physique and your mental growth. We value having you in our community and as a faithful citizen. Due to all of the factors mentioned above, and many other factors, we have come to a conclusion to your price. In case you are completely ignorant about this, the price we give you will determine your position in society. The higher the money value, the better position. Without further ado, we give you your money price: $36,451 out of a possible $50,000. We hope you understand why we gave you this price, the Council of Mori." When I finish reading, a hand comes across my face.

"You are such a disgrace to this family." Dad says.