The letter feels heavy in my hands, dragging down my very existence, as if I should keep waiting to open it. I didn't want to spoil the thought that my parents still had something to tell me. I sigh. I can't wait anymore. A sick, creeping fear clawing up from the depths of my mind. What if I never get the chance to read what's inside? Daniel's voice echoes into the room, tearing me from my reverie.
"Hey, Grace! Over here!" I look at him. They were still tied up. I helped him get the rope over his shoulders silently. A look to my left reveals that Junie and Keller are out cold, still.
"Can't this place get any heat, or is that too much to ask?" he says a bit moodily. I shrug, and stare at my letter. Danny assesses the mess around my feet, recognizing my box broken on the floor.
"Well, are you going to open it?" He says softly. Was I? I stare at it, and slowly, I tear the ends of it.
Inside the envelope was a news article and a family photo, just the four of us. Gently, I put the photo back and Daniel hums with sympathy a little girlishly. I start to read the article and-
"Hey, guys, over here" It was Keller. He and Junie had woke up. I untie Junie and Daniel helps Keller. I wonder if Lucas will be mad for us doing so.. I stuff the article in the envelope and stash it inside my almost-to-rags jacket. Had it really been a couple of days ago since we had left the base? I feel like the days have been years. We're not kids anymore.
The black-haired girl returns, her cheeks red from excitement. Lucas was on her heels. A deep gutteral noise shakes the room, knocking dirt and debris from above. The two high-five and celebrate. A burly man with chesnut mullet files in after them.. He had to be in his forties, at least, maybe I was wrong. He slaps Lucas on the back, starting to laugh but ending in a hacking cough. My brother's gaze meets mine. He clears his throat.
"Grace, I'd like you to meet Charlie."
Blah blah blah. I know it's short :( I have a lot more written out on paper, I promise :)
YOU ARE READING
The Wall
PertualanganA war between the Eastern and Western hemispheres has left the United States in ruins. A wall was built between Mexico and the United States, and the president is on the wrong side. When Grace, Junie, Keller, and Daniel are asked to retrieve him, t...
