Alive in the Snow

5. Erasing The Worthless

Reaching the police station, at last, escaping the miserable forecast, Yuvan was approached by his co-worker, Archie.

"Hey, ya ready? We will be goin' down the streets and gathering kids who are 10 to 13 years of age. Chief's orders. We are also instructed to bring them to a field where many of the government's firearms will be. Don't worry, the field ain't that far." - explained Archie as he passed a fully loaded pistol to Yuvan. "We can shoot those that make the task difficult."

"I understand but I do not want to go with the plan. Shooting the innocent, are you out of your mind?!" - Yuvan commented in a frustrated tone. "This is different to our usual mission."

"Stop being a wimp. It isn't like we haven't shot anyone before. Kids... they aren't innocent. They are thieves, come on, just go with it. I will do all the shooting if it makes ya feel better." - Archie argued as he put on a lime green jacket with the word 'POLICE' on the back.

"Alright fine but let me go somewhere real quick. I will be back in 20 minutes." - Yuvan said as he sprinted outside with the umbrella over his head.

Reaching the bank, Yuvan greeted a man wearing a fedora and demanded all of his savings be withdrawn quickly. Recognising Yuvan as a legitimate member of the police force, he compiled without question.

"S-s-sign the papers with your full name here as well as f-f-fill out all the missing details." - The man with the fedora stuttered in fear. Yuvan does as told and scribbles it all down.

"Alright, t-thank you." - The man replied in a quiet tone, handing a small envelope with the savings in it. Yuvan takes it and leaves the bank without mentioning another word.

Reaching home and opening the door, he saw Velorra and Luna laying on the couch watching a box-shaped TV which displayed monotone images. The TV showed a news reporter warning the people about the massacre taking place at exactly 5 PM. It also further states that anyone who attempts to hide their children or be defiant will instantly be killed. The borders will be closed and all cities will be surrounded by security. Parents whose children meet the age range of 10-13 are instructed to wait outside their homes to be collected. All houses will be thoroughly searched with brute force regardless. Borders will reopen in 2 weeks.

Upon seeing Yuvan in the living room, Luna jumped from the couch and grabbed him tightly.

"Father, I'm scared! Vel will die. Vel will die!" - Luna cried, leaving a few tears on Yuvan's blazer. Velorra also hugs Yuvan before bursting into tears.

"Girls, please calm down. Pack your things we are leaving tonight. Do not scream or look out of the window alright?" - Yuvan instructed while attempting to console the girls.

All running up the stairs and reaching Yuvan's bedroom, the girls threw their belongings in a bag whilst Yuvan chucks all of his items into the luggage.

"You guys done? Put the bags in here. I will tell you what to do next in a second."- Yuvan said as he grabbed the items that he could reach. One was a small trinket displaying Yuvan's mother. "Right, follow me. I am bringing you guys to the attic."

Taking the ladder which was placed beside the bookshelf, Yuvan extended it to the roof of the bedroom. Climbing it swiftly, he opened the hatch and instructed Luna to come up first.

"Don't worry Luna, I will catch you if you fall. You can do it, just don't look down." - Velorra encouraged. As Luna reached higher up the ladder, it started to wobble uncontrollably. Acting quickly, Velorra held it still.

"Just a few more until I can pull you up. You have been brave this entire time!" - Yuvan added as he reached for Luna. After she made it to the top safely, Velorra began climbing the ladder with caution.

"I made it with you guys. Now, what father?" - Velorra questioned.

"I need to leave for work. I am sorry but stay in the attic and do not make a sound if anyone enters the house. I will be back in an hour or two so we can leave this city." - Yuvan stated while he climbed down the ladder.

"And I mean it, do not respond to anything during the time I am gone. Hiding you guys is the best option since those that work for the government and the police will hunt you down regardless of your age. I will not be here to protect you if anything happens. After the massacre, I will be able to cover your identities. Anyways, close the attic hatch."

After the hatch closes and the ladder has been returned beside the shelf, Yuvan shut all the windows tightly and closed the doors. Noticing the time 4:51 on his watch, he ran outside and locked the front door before sprinting away down the streets towards the police station.

END OF CHAP 5 - Erasing The Worthless

NEXT CHAPTER 6 - Above all