The Reins of Power
The weather was perfect for fishing. I realised that as soon as I accidently dropped my Grandfather’s tackle box on my toe, kicked it at the wall and saw all the arrangements of colourful lures, hooks and sinkers. I’ve never been the type to go looking for my own food, I’m always expecting mother to come up to me and feed me like a rubbish bin, but that day the city girl in me ran away and a brainier girl replaced her.
As I fumbled around house, lit only by the small windows, since the electricity had gone out, I dropped the photo albums and stuffed toys and threw out all the expensive clothes in my suitcase and instead tipped the contents of the fishing box into the bag, took some knives from the kitchen, collected my father’s boots and mosquito spray and threw in the ugly but comfy and rain-proof clothes.
I gave the 10-person tent a longing look before I headed for the back door. It was nearly dusk, the rains had been and I was sure the bush, which would soon be my home, was filled with blood thirsty leeches and dangerous snakes. But I knew that it would be too conspicuous so I said goodbye to the tent, beds and photographs with a tear in my eye.
Before I closed the door my dog, Tofu, came running out and gave me the puppy dog look, the look which said, “Please take me, don’t leave me here in the darkness, please,” but I gave him a kiss on the nose and left through the window so that back door remained locked. I knew that it would be the last time I would see him, and he knew that too.
I had to force myself to stop crying, it was useless tears, and they gave you a cold and left you feeling empty afterwards. And I bawl like a baby, if I were to risk weeping it would be like risking bringing Tofu or the tent. I felt bad for not putting him outside so he could run free, avoid the heartless shadows and the guns which only screamed one thing. Death.
I had to remind myself that I wasn’t a bad person; I was doing this on orders―my mothers. She told me to look out for myself, that I was the most important thing now and if they got me it would be as if God gave the Devil the reins of Power.
So I pressed on, I disappeared into the forest, not stopping until the moon rose to the top of the sky and my legs couldn’t take it anymore. I climbed a tree and curled into a right ball up there, freezing in the cold air, scared and on the verge of a breakdown.
But I still had hope, that when the sun rose tomorrow I would be alright, everything would. If the sun rose tomorrow that is.
And I knew it wouldn’t. And I knew that everything wasn’t going to be alright.
A Field, with Sunflowers.
An owl shrieked in the distance, I could hear the clock strike midnight. But I wasn't afraid - well, that was what I kept telling myself as I crept down the gloomy street, making sure I stayed in the pool of light that each street lamp cast.
I knew I shouldn't look back - but I couldn't help it. I turned my head aand glanced over my shoulder and...
And I became instantly blinded by a bright, white light.
Squinting I rubbed my eyes and peered to see beyond the source of light to find a short, plump man weilding a baton and toothy grin.
Oh no. He was exactly what I had not hoped to see - especially tonight.
With a thudding heart I spun around and dashed towards the fence which surrounded the town.
I managed to clear the fence in a single bound, merely grazing my hands on it's sharp barbed wire. But that wouldn't stop me.
Keeping an iron grip on the package I ran, panting and freaked out, through the high field filled with innocent, watching sunflowers. I could hear the man behind me in hot pursuit, all the while he was yelling at me to 'stop!'
But soon the man's vouice was nothing but an echo in the distance.
With shaking hands I pulled the package from my coat and looked around for a safe place to rest.
Keeping low I managed to find a small cottage house smack bang in the middle of the sunflower feild. The cottage was badly rusted with broken windows, knocked down doors and a tattered roof. Even the walls looked like they were made of cardboard.
But oh well. It was better than making my way down the street, knowing I cant look back, but doing so anyway.
Silently I crept over to the house and opened the creaking door, hoping somone else hadn't beaten me to the little disguised sanctuary. But instead of finding a group of homless people (or anything worse), like I had expected, I came to see only darkness.
Creeping around I managed to find an overturned table and hid under it. I listened for a while - until I was sure I was alone - before I carefully unwrapped the package and gripped the glowing antidote close to my heart.
And, with one final prayer, I pressed the tiny vile to my lips and drank.
