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link arms with Jak, and make our way to the theater.
    I’ve never been allowed into the adult side of the theater. Only cartoons and family shows are available to those seventeen and under. All romance and adventure are saved for eighteen and above. Mom once told me there used to be scary movies, but they were removed because they didn’t contribute to the dome’s motto for peace.
    Along the path to the theater, posters of a woman’s face are stuck to a few light posts with the word Missing printed below. Posters like this used to pop up often when I was a child, but the Order fined those who put them up. Missing posters don’t contribute to peace in the dome—they strum up feelings of suspicion and mistrust. But everyone knows no one can really go missing in the dome. If someone disappears, it means they want to start a new life.
    Beyond the row of posters, the theater comes into view. I’ve always appreciated the style of the movie theater building. Its old architecture resembles photos of the old world, and the elaborate carvings on the pillars at the entrance have always captivated me. But everything seems different now that I’m older, and can enter the other side of the theater. It’s as if the mystery has finally peeled away, and all that’s left is carved stone.
    I scan my ID badge at the door and it clicks open, allowing Xara and Jak to sneak in behind me. It’s not long before they’re eighteen, so we may as well all enjoy the perks together. We grab our snacks then sneak down the dark aisle, taking our seats together in a middle row. Friends forever. Nothing can come between us.
    The screen lights up, showing the original logo of the dome spinning in the center. This is the last place the old logo can be found: a circle enclosing two hands holding a heart. The true presentation of the motto: Peace. Love. Order. Dome was only added by our current Director, as a way to remind everyone of why we do what we do: everything for the dome. The words scroll across the bottom of the screen as the Director appears, sitting at a table with the Delegates. His message begins.
     
    “I want to take a moment from my busy schedule to thank the people of Dome 1618 for another excellent year. As we carry on with the job given to us by our forefathers, it reminds me how lucky we are to have a dome that understands the importance of all aspects to our motto. We all must keep these words sacred if we are to survive into the future. Peace, love, and order to you all.”
     
    The screen goes black and I slump back into my seat, ready for the show. But half an hour later I’m bored by the slow build to romance, and the main character’s selfless commitment to the people of his society. I almost choke on my drink; I’ve heard this rhetoric in all the children’s movies, but on a more immature level. What on earth made me think that movies would be better now that I’m eighteen?
    I reach for popcorn and awkwardly brush against Jak’s fingers. I start to laugh and then see his face redden, so I quickly withdraw my hand to the arm of my seat. Xara shushes me at the same time and I feel ridiculous. Being eighteen makes me feel less like an adult and more like a child. I shift in my seat, wondering if there is some way I can sneak out.
    Jak reaches over and covers my hand with his, sending tingles up my arm. My fingers separate, allowing his to intertwine, and it feels warm and safe. I’ve always thought of him as a brother, nothing more. Why not? He’s the quiet one of our trio, always watching and listening, never fighting for the spotlight. Yet, he’s good at everything he does, and everyone loves him. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to stay a little longer, but why does this feel so awkward?
    Jak’s scent drifts over, a mix of soap and ink, remnants of his parents’ print shop in the business district where he spends his time after school. It’s such a different smell from yesterday, when the Outsider leaned in close to