Days Are Numbered

16: Instinct of Freedom

The day was long yet it felt short; the sun was high in the sky, and the wind swept the lawn gently. With the movement of their hair and clothing, Noah could tell the boys seemed to be getting some training, while he was indoors mopping and cleaning behind them like a maid. Who could have thought that Noah of all people could do chores? Not even himself. Everything rested gently on his chest, including his discovery. He had not read much of the journal since he was cut off short the previous day with dinner and bedtime; he didn't find the journal so intriguing.

As he wiped off his hand while walking past the hall, the sudden crack of a door made him pause. Turning around, he spotted Avgustin's room open. Glancing over his shoulder and to his sides, Noah quickly grabbed the bucket and made his way into the office, closing the door slightly behind him.

How did Avgustin sleep? Noah thought while scanning the room. In all three corners, metal shelves held various items, while a desk stood adjacent to the window. Papers adorned the walls, and a wooden board hung prominently. Files and papers littered the desk as if a mischievous puppy had decided to tap dance on it. However, what caught Noah's attention was the map spread across the desk, revealing points and areas of interest. Noah traced his hand down the lines: Cave, hills, barricade, streams... Noah paused. Noah's eyes honed in on the phone, its screen illuminated in the dimly lit room. With its sleek design and apparent glitches, it beckoned to him. He reached for it swiftly, his fingers tapping the screen in anticipation as he cast a cautious glance over his shoulder, ensuring he remained undetected.

Fortunately, Avgustin did not use passwords; he probably thought none of the boys were daring enough to look into his device, but Noah was. His heart thumped hard against his chest, and he drew a small breath as he punched the only number he knew by heart. With a shaky hand, he brought the device to his ear.

The line rang five times before the voice of a young lady filled his ears, stirring his heart. A joyful smile broke through Noah's lips. "Emery—"

"Don't you dare, moron!" Her voice boomed on the other side.

"Babe, I can explain—" He pressed on, surprised by the harsh words.

But was interrupted by her, "Really? I waited for you all night, Antonio Daniels. All night you wouldn't even pick up your calls. We're only three months into this, and you already suck! Noah was better, though he was a freaking baby. I did feel him, he always needed the hug, the touch, and bedtime kisses, but you—"

Noah hung up in shock, his smile fading into nothing as he heard his heart shattering loudly in his ribcage and his vision went blurry for some good seconds, causing him to stagger, finding invisible balance. Noah felt tears stinging the corner of his eyes as a lump formed in his throat.

The resonance of multiple footsteps and the creaking door snapped him back to reality. Noah swiftly erased the number on the phone and powered it down before grabbing the wipe. With urgency, he rushed to a corner and began meticulously wiping the top of the shelf. As the door swung open, Avgustin's piercing gaze locked on Noah's small frame, his expression morphing into a scowl that seemed to pierce through Noah's resolve. At that moment, Noah felt a fleeting desire to leap through the window just to escape the impending storm of Avgustin's anger.

"What the hell are you doing in here?" Avgustin's question seethed with fury, yet it was delivered in a low, menacing tone that sent shivers down Noah's spine.

Noah gulped softly, attempting to mask his fear but failing miserably. He tried to speak but failed; without warning, his head collided harshly with the metal locker and bounced back, causing violent whistles to ring in his ears as he strangled a scream. Fresh blood dripped from his face, spotting the ground.