Imitation

Imitation

Happiness through Health and Service.

William barely noticed the motto as he hurried down the hallway although it had been ingrained in him for as long as he could remember. He had been summoned by the headmaster – a unique occurrence. Every day was the same – a fact that had become a joke among the students. “Where were you last night?” was their secret greeting to each other and always got a chuckle or a smile.

“Ahh, William, you’re here!” a voice boomed, causing him to start. Looking up, he saw Mr. Daws standing at the doorway to his office. “Come in, son.”

William walked into the office. It was a large room bathed in light from floor to ceiling windows. One wall was filled with books. A large couch filled the other wall with two large wingchairs facing it.

William froze. There, sitting on the couch, was … William. Disoriented, he could only stare.

“William!” Mr. Daws’s voice broke his confusion. “Come have a seat.”

William slowly moved, taking a seat in one of the chairs. He couldn’t take his eyes off the boy sitting across from him. Under a familiar unruly mop of blond hair, the same blue eyes stared back at him. “I … I don’t … understand,” he finally choked out.

“Have you ever wondered about out moto?”

The question startled William. What has that to do …

The thought was cut off as Mr. Daws continued. “The service part is the heart of why you’re here. William – you’re this boy’s clone. You were created for one purpose – to serve. This is the real William.”

William was in such shock that he didn’t feel the needle enter his arm. As the room began to fade, his final thought was Where was I last night? I guess I never really knew …



Notes:
An entry for the 9/16/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the line: "Where were you last night?"

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 300

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you’re here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken