Runner

Chapter 2

   Its been 5 days since my brothers hanging. Everyone knows I’m alone, but they are quite fond of me and dare not to tell the guards for they know what will become of me, no one who enjoys me, has enough money to adopt me. I’ve been able to scrap up enough money to pay for food. I do little jobs around town, to earn money. From laundry to lawn clipping, to taking care of elders. Each night I have a stale loaf of bread and a small glass of milk I “borrow” from the neighbors heifer.

   On good nights when I could scrap up a few more dollars, I treat myself to sliver of ham to go with my bread. Today I had done no work, for there was no work to be done. My neighboring friend Rosaline sneaks me over some food, for she is quite rich. We keep this a secret from her parents, for one she sneaks out past lockdown and two, they enforce the law quite harshly.                                        “Hello Rosie” I say in a welcoming tone as she enters into my main room. “How are you on this fine evening?” I roll off my tongue. I always tried to talk fancy to mock Rosie’s rich behavior.                       “I am not well Lace. My mother has began to ponder where our food supply is vanishing to.” She murmured looking at me with her brown eyes. 

    “No! She cant find out” I whisper as if someone were listening. We decide she will not continue to bring me food. Her parents would rat her to the guards in a thump of a rat’s tail.

   “Well good morrow.” her voice rings off the walls. All I give her in return is a slight wave. I escort her out the door. She waves and walks into the cool summer twilight, her blonde hair flowing behind her. I gradually shut the door, making as little noise as I can so I do not alert any guards.

     I head towards the kitchen by candlelight, as I pass by the hall window I catch a glimpse of Rosaline being upheld by guards. Her body is limp as they drag her away, although I still see a slight movement in her chest. I panic. I sprint out the door, almost forgetting to open it. The guards must have herd the door slam because they turn back. 

     “HEY KID! YOUR BREAKING LAW #47, SECTION A!NOONE OUTSIDE PAST 21:00!” The Tall red-headed guard crows across the distance. He mumbles something to his fellow law enforcement and takes off sprinting towards me. I should run, but I don’t. I look to the houses along the dirt street. Inside I see glowing eyes of pondering residents. I look towards Rosalina’s house, I see her mother shaking her head in disappointment. 

   “Hey know it all! Why don’t you try to help your kid! I’ve done more for her than you ever have!” I scream as I began to bawl. Faces look at me in shock, no one stood up to Rosaline’s mom, she was the mayor. I feel a moment of pride, the next thing I know, a sleep dart has gone through my arm. The last thing I see before I hit the ground is her blonde hair being dragged through the wrestled dirt.