✯ North Star ✯

14 - The Path We Follow

"Come on. We gotta keep moving" John B says as we walk.

His voice is tight, clipped. I can tell he's trying not to look over his shoulder every two seconds, but I feel it too- that creeping, prickling awareness that Singhs men are probably stepping on our footprints.

"Singh and his men can't be far behind us." He adds

"Keep on that heading northwest. That's the way the hand pointed. That's home." Big John says

"Come on pick it up old man. Let's go" John B said

I slow just enough to look back. Big John is falling behind, leaning on his knees. Something about it makes a knot twist in my stomach.

"I just need a minute..." Big John says, breathing hard.

"You need a minute?" What are you talking about? Come on let's pick it up. Let's go." John b pushes

"Go on I'll catch up. I just need a minute to catch my breath." Big John insists

John b stops, groaning.
"Star, one sec. We got a straggler" he says

"All right." I nod, crouching down. My legs burn from the climb, my lungs feel like sandpaper, and for a second I'm grateful for the pause.

Then-
That sound.

A low, eerie whoosh like wind caught inside a throat.

My whole body goes still.

"Come on Dad" John B says

"Yeah I'm coming. I'm coming-" Big John starts

"Wait. Shh. Listen. Listen. Listen." My voice comes out sharper than I expect.

John b stiffens.
"What is that?" He asks

"Do you hear that?" I whisper

It sounds like a cave is breathing.

"What the..." Big John murmurs

"What?" John B asks

"Do you remember when you said no tongue but always speaking?" I ask big John

Big John's head snaps to me.
"How do you know that?" He asks

"I heard you talking to yourself" I admit

"Yeah you do do that" John B says

"I am nothing but hold everything. No tongue
but always speaking" Big John repeats

"Dad....she's onto something" John B says

And suddenly I know.
I can't explain it- it's like something tugging inside my chest.

"Oh my God. It's this way." I say, already running.

And the boys chase after me.