5:42 pm, 1 hour and 18 minutes until The Annual Purge.

"James, can you pass the parmasean cheese?"

"Sure thing, Kelsey."

"Thanks!"

That was pretty much the only conversation we had during dinner. The only real noise came from our chewing the pizza and sipping the soda. We didn't admit it, but we were all scared of what was to come tonight at 7. After eating and putting away the leftovers, we all sat at the kitchen table awkwardly. Finally, Michael cleared his throat to speak.

"This year," he explained, "we have to make sure we're safe. Statistics show The Purge gets more and more dangerous every year."

"What do you suggest?" I asked.

"I just want to establish some rules," he continued. "First, when the security system is armed, don't open it again for any reason until 7 am tomorrow. Understood?"

"Understood," Kelsey and I replied.

"Second, if, for whatever reason, you feel you have to Purge this year while The Purge is commencing, there's a secret exit in the basement that is only one way. So you can get out, but you can't get back it. Got it?"

"Yes."

"And third, if, God forbid, someone manages to get in here, there are fully-loaded guns in my room we all can use to protect ourselves. If it seems too impossible to kill them all, we use the secret exit."

"But that won't happen... Right?" Kelsey asked.

She actually looked a little scared!

"It shouldn't happen," Michael admitted. "However, you never know what The Purge will bring. You gotta prepare for everything."

Kelsey gave a small nod in response. After having her home broken into last year, I can understand her fear.

"Anyway," Michael concluded, "is there anything outside we need to get or buy?"

I thought for a few seconds and shook my head, as did Kelsey.

"Then I think I'll lock up now, just to be safe."

"We still have over an hour," I told him.

"If we wait until the last minute, who knows what could sneak in!" He replied.

I guess he had a point.

He then went into the living room and pressed some buttons on the wall. Then, a loud whirring noise could be heard as the huge metal doors lowered over every square inch of the exterior walls, as well as the roof. These walls were supposedly indestructible, but I never trust things like that. With that, it's just a wait until commencement.