Follow me. For the next two months, we will wander onto the unknown paths of A Time to Die. I expect we’ll meet new characters, foreign places, wondrous inventions, and maybe a little danger…
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Character Interview #2 — Parvin Blackwater
Hello Parvin, thank you for stopping by my blog. Tell us a little about yourself.
Oh about me? Well, there’s not much to say. You don’t really want to know about me, do you?
Of course I do! I wouldn’t interview you otherwise. Tell me something — anything — about yourself, and don’t be afraid to be honest.
I’m always honest…at least I try to be. I only lie if I need to protect Reid — to keep him safe. I do that because I must.
Reid? Is he your only brother?
Well there were three of us, William, Reid, and me. We’re triplets, but William died moments before Reid and I were born, so we never met him. But Reid is my best friend. He’s the best older brother a girl could ask for. Do you have siblings?
Oh, we’re not here to talk about me. Do you mind if I ask some deeper questions?
I guess not.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I’d stop the Radicals from being sent across the Wall. Don’t tell Reid but, I go to the town hearings every morning and try to vouch for the Radicals who are being sentenced. It never works, but someday…someday I’ll save one.
Tell us about the Wall.
I’d rather not.
Have you ever been to it?
I’ve lived in its shadow my whole life, isn’t that enough?
So you’ve never been to it.
No, and I don’t plan to. Can we move on, please?
Sure! You have one year left, right? And you’re trying to find purpose. If you don’t mind my asking, why did it take you so long to desire more from your life?
I don’t expect you to understand. You’re from a High City, right? But I’ll answer anyway. When I was little, Reid always told me not to worry about the Clock, that it didn’t matter. I guess I took it too much to heart and didn’t live. When you’re a kid, death feels like forever away, even with your Clock showing you the seconds. Unless you can tell time, it doesn’t mean anything. I just waited too long.
You recently met your hero, I heard. Tell me about him.
Skelley Chase — he’s the most famous biographer in the United States of the East. He’s helping me write my story — me, a nobody! But it’s my Last Year wish and he’s going to get it published for me. Hopefully, it will help save Radicals.
So…is he handsome?
Ick. Ew. No, he’s old. Well, older. Thirty something. I’m only eighteen!
Sorry, I didn’t mean to suggest…well anyway, is there a boy in your life?
*Sigh* No.
What would you look for in a guy?
A soulmate. I know that sounds old-fashioned, but if I had enough time for a relationship, I’d want someone who really understands me. Someone who doesn’t see Radicals as livestock. Obviously I’d like him to be attractive and adventurous. Yes, adventurous is important…so he could take me on escapades with him. That’d be nice.
What are some of your hobbies?
Sewing and reading. That’s about it. I’m to the point where I’m realizing they weren’t worth spending my whole life doing. Not that it’s not fun losing yourself to a book or sewing project but…without a purpose for it or applying it, what’s the point? I only have a year left anyway.
Well, I hope this last year is successful for you.
Yeah, whatever that means. Depends on your definition of success.
In any case, thanks for taking the time to let me interview you.
Sure, thank you for having me on your…um…did you call it a blog?
Yes. It’s on the Internet.
Oh, that explains it. I’m from a Low City, we don’t have Internet.
I see. Well…goodbye.
We don’t say goodbye either, not unless it’s the day you zero out.
How about you bid the farewell, then?
Alright. Talk to you later…maybe.
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What would you like to know about Parvin? Ask in the comments!
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Oh, Parvin! How did your parents choose such an unusual name for you (I love it)? Who were you and your brothers named after? Does your name have any particular meaning? What kinds of things do you like to sew? And, what kinds of things do you like to read? (since you mentioned those two hobbies) When you were a kid, did you desire any particular career or job when you grew up? Did you ever have any pets? What’s your favorite meal? Snack? Favorite flavored tea? Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? Do you have any hidden talents? I enjoyed reading your interview! Thank you for sharing.
[From Parvin]
How did your parents choose such an unusual name for you? I love it!
Well thanks. I’ve never liked it much. Reid is my father’s middle name. I don’t know where Mother got William from. I don’t know why they picked Parvin for me. It just means something about a star. *shrug* Doesn’t seem too important.
[More on this in book 2!]
What kinds of things do you like to sew and read?
I like to sew clothing. Blankets and things are too boring for my taste. And I’ll read anything fiction — anything to make me feel like my life is more of an adventure.
When you were a kid, did you desire any particular career or job when you grew up?
No, not really. I helped Father in the woodshop, though. I enjoyed that. Before I understood how short my Clock was, I wanted to be a mother. Oh well…
Did you ever have any pets?
You’re from an Upper or High City aren’t you? Here in Unity Village, “pets” is synonymous with “food.”
What’s your favorite meal/snack/flavored tea?
Coffee. *grin*
Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?
Sunrises. I don’t watch sunsets because…well, because then I have to look at the Wall.
Any hidden talents?
Not that I know of, but I’m really good at playing limbo because I’m short.
Living in a Low City, which things would you like to know/have from the High Cities? When did you realize there were other ‘kinds’ of cities? How did you feel about it? Looking forward to read your biography!!
[From Parvin]
Living in a Low City, which things would you like to know/have from High Cities?
Well, now that you ask… *grin* Electricity! Imagine being able to connect with people around the world just through a screen in the wall. There’s electricity at the county building — that’s really the only thing I like about that place. Also, High Cities have more processed food and, even though I’ve only tasted a few things, I think I’d like exploring new tastes. Have you ever had cereal with little cocoa balls? I have. It’s my favorite.
Really, though, I don’t know enough about High Cities to know what I’d want. I bet Reid would know…
When did you realize there were other kinds of cities? How did you feel about it?
Reid and I learned about them in school…when I was still going to school. He couldn’t stop chatting about them, but Mother told us High City people are snobs and have too much money. I’m content in Unity Village, but I’d love to visit a High City if I can…before I zero out.
Looking forward to reading your biography!
You are? Really? It’s strange thinking of others reading my story. *big breath* I’m a bit nervous about it but…I hope you like it. Thank you.
Parvin, do you have other friends besides your brother? Do you go to school away from your home? Obviously I don’t know much about you yet, but I’m really looking forward to finding out more. I like you … you sound compassionate.
Also, what do you know about God?
I so hope your last year is absolutely incredible!
[From Parvin]
Do you have other friends besides your brother?
No. No one at school really…well…you know what? I’m perfectly happy on my own. Reid’s the only friend I need.
Do you go to school away from your home?
Left school when I was thirteen. What’s the point in spending my time learning things I can’t apply to my short life? Besides…I wasn’t really wanted there. Reid learned enough for the both of us.
Obviously I don’t know much about you yet, but I’m really looking forward to finding out more. I like you…you sound compassionate.
That’s very nice of you to say. Sometimes I worry that the closer I get to the end, the harder my heart turns. I want to stay compassionate to the end. I do.
What do you know about God?
I don’t know if we should talk about this out loud. Unity Village just got a new batch of Enforcers and they’ve been pretty strict. Even though I’m eighteen, I’d hate to get you in trouble if they heard us talking about God. But I’ll say this…I’m learning more about Him and I wish I had time to know Him better, to find out if He really had a plan for my life when He made me.
I so hope your last year is absolutely incredible!
Thank you. I hope so, too. I guess it’s up to me, isn’t it?
What a neat idea! I love it! Can’t wait to meet you better, Parvin!