How Far We've Come

Chapter 3

Whether the emptiness of the train was because of the time, or the fact that we live in a rural area, I don’t know. We had been the only ones waiting at the station, and the only people on before us were the conductor, and an old lady who had fallen asleep.

Kids on public transportation are a mess. Imagine, two elementary-aged children, set free for an hour in an empty train car. Mom and I kept them distracted with games for about ten minutes because that is clearly the attention span of anyone under five feet tall. Ignoring that, we basically rode interrupted for the entire time.

“Next stop, The Hub.” came the scratchy voice from the loudspeakers. We got up to leave, and through the doors, you could hear the hustle and bustle of everyone living their day-to-day lives. The doors opened and I took a final look at the woman. She hasn't moved this entire time, is she even alive? I pushed that thought to the back of my mind and stepped through the door.

The station was the same as I remembered it, random people walking around, musicians hanging off to the side. Teenagers, huddled in small groups, probably talking about where they’re going for vacation. They all enjoy their summer break while I do these monotonous tasks.

We all decided to split up, mom would drop off Halley and Kai at their friends’ houses then go to work. I could explore and hang out with my friends as long as I go grocery shopping. I have no friends, and any food I grab now will go bad by the time we go home, so exploration it is.
I know things have changed within the past month, and I certainly haven’t seen the entire place. Someone could live their entire life here and not even see a quarter of it.

I was in Central Hub, it basically has no difference from the rest of the Hub. The only substantial thing is that this is where our leader and his family lives. You couldn’t miss it, a huge spire, towering over every other building adorned the house. Nothing could upstage it.

Except.

A rocketship stood in the distance, on what seemed to be a professional-grade launchpad. You would expect that that would be the place everyone flocks to but no, everyone is on the road surrounding a fancy car. I make my way through the crowd to see the leader,  his son, and a very pissed-off chauffer slowly inching towards the launch base.

I don’t know why but something felt off to me. Every cell in my body seemed to be saying, “GET OUT!”

I started running, I ran until I got out of Central Hub. Exhausted and disconcerted, I glanced around. I grabbed a bike that was leaning against a wall. I’m glad I know how to use one, or I would be screwed. I start the gas and go flying out of there.

I’ve only been going for an hour and a half when I hear a loud BOOM. I look back to see the tiny city in the distance. Leveled just like that.

The shockwaves toss me off the bike, and I look up just in time to see a small chunk of concrete falling towards me. It hits my leg, and I shove it off.

I crawl away, before losing consciousness.

Again, I would love any and all feedback, Thanks!