THE LAST GIFT

"Surrounded by the dark scent of blood, with it staining my clothes, I realized a harsh truth: none of it was mine. I'm the last one standing. They won't stop pursuing me, leaving me no choice but to be faster, smarter, and always on guard. I tried to fit in, but the one I trusted ensured that wouldn't happen. Humans fear what they don't understand, and I've become a target. Fleeing through the night, I knew more would come. With no plan or direction, I walked, driven by survival. Hours passed, and the silence was a relief. But exhaustion caught up with me, and I fell to the ground, helpless. They want me to be the villain; I'll embrace that role. My name is Avery, the last of my kind." As I stood up, dusting off my clothes, I knew I couldn't stay in one place for long. The darkness seemed to press in around me, and I quickened my pace, my senses on high alert. I thought back to the ones I'd lost, the ones who'd been taken from me. The pain still lingered, but I pushed it aside, focusing on survival. I walked through the desolate streets, my eyes scanning for any sign of movement. The silence was oppressive, and I knew it wouldn't last. They'd come for me soon, and I'd have to be ready. I thought about finding shelter, somewhere to hide and regroup, but I knew it wouldn't be safe. Not yet. Suddenly, I heard footsteps, light and cautious. I froze, my heart racing. I knew that sound; it was the sound of someone trying not to be seen. I readied myself, preparing for a fight. But as the figure emerged from the shadows, I saw it was a young girl, no more than ten years old. She looked up at me with wide eyes, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.