When I Find You

Chapter 1: Tragedy

    The town was on fire. Smoke filled the air from the burning forest and buildings that surrounded us. People were running and screaming in protest. Mothers were searching for their children who stayed out past curfew. Homes were falling to the ground. The entire town was a disaster. 

    I sat on the ground, my ability to move has depleted me. Fight or flight, you say? Neither, I was paralyzed and convinced I’d never be able to move a limb again. I sat on the ground and looked up to the sky. A drone? No way, that’s impossible. I must be imagining things. Another one! I was sure this time it wasn’t in my head. 

    I found the courage and strength to stand and search for my family. My father would be able to tell me what was truly going on in this town, since he was the mayor. Where was the king now that the people needed him?

    I ran through the town, following the roads that used to exist. It was hard to see with all the smoke and ashes clouding the air, but I continued to run anyway. Up ahead, I saw the tree I used to use as my checkpoint, but was now covered in flames and falling to the ground. I made the turn and hurried. My legs were in full speed in a way I’ve never seen them before. 

    As I made it to the gates, that’s when it hit me. The destruction to our home. The fire on the very foundation that helped me grow. The place my mother and father would cook my siblings and I, breakfast, lunch, and dinner; where my brothers would teach me how to fight; my sisters would hunt. 

    I used the fingerprint scanner to open the gate, rushing to see if anyone was home, scared for it might be the end. No it can’t be, I thought to myself. “IT CAN’T BE THE END”, I screamed. 

    “Ava!”

    I turned around to see my oldest brother shouting my name. I saw the fear in his eyes; his emotions overwhelmed him and it showed. I’ve never seen my brother like this before. 

    “Michael! Where is everyone? What is going on?” 

    “I don’t know what’s going on, but we’ve been looking for you. The family is underground. Follow me. HURRY! And Ava, I love you.”

    He grabbed me by the hand and pulled hard, signaling me to run with him. We ran fast and didn’t stop for a second; not even to look at the other families screaming and running. We didn't stop sprinting and it felt like hours before we made it to the forest line. I just wanted to see my family and make sure everyone was okay. We jumped and ducked to avoid the falling branches. The smoke in the dark night made it even harder for me to see, but I kept my eye on Michael; doing my best not to take them off of him. He made a turn and another one and then I lost him. I ran straight hoping I could catch up if he was just ahead. I ran and ran, until a branch had fallen on me. 

    I saw a woman approaching me. She had blonde hair and wore a red gown with a matching dress. She didn’t say anything. Instead, she looked at me with both her hands woven together, as I felt my eyes begin to close, and my body to let go.

    That was the last thing I remember.