The laws requiring all the testing begin after the world rebuilt from the black typhus outbreak of 2020, which nearly ended the human race. Decades later, a genetic discovery during mandatory government testing forces the parents of a young Lilly Rose to choose between training and qualifying for the Ceremonial Guard or serving two years of hard labor in the mines as a locator. Her parents agreed to have her trained for the Ceremonial Guard. “I bite my bottom lip as beams of morning sunshine penetrate the east window of my parents’ West Texas house. I feel the warmth against my cheeks standing by the living room window. I close my eyes and focus on my music. Wes Ashby’s voice flows gently from my music phone card and into my soul.” A conflicted Lilly Rose must choose between the strict principles of her parents, and the burning desire to be with music star Wes Ashby. Can life after the outbreak transcend mere survival? Is there room to survive and find true love?
