Sustainable

Chapter Three

Caelen

As soon as I turned the corner and I had disappeared from the girls line of sight, I broke into a run. Sprinting down the busy street clutching the $100 bill in my palm, I twisted and turned as I maneuvered myself around the awkward bends of the streets. The road was full; mostly of people wanting an early start to the Chrismas shop or shopping for Thanksgiving. I uttered a silent thanks; my trick wouldn't last long and I wanted to be far enough away before they realized my illusion. Rounding my last turn, I stopped outside an old, abandoned building to catch my breath. Staring at the money I held in my hand, I laughed to myself. Better than I could've hoped for. I'll use this to grab a bite to eat, then perhaps just save it. Just fifty or so dollars and I would be free of this damned city...

My ears pricked up a sound. It was quick and precise - the noise of something rectifying mistakes immediately. Something that didn't want to be caught. I stuffed the money back into my pocket and stood still, raising my awareness to catch the next sound. A creak followed, and a small gasp erupted from the almost hidden door of the old building. The door was cracked and apparently closed off; but under closer inspection I saw that the locks had been picked carefully, not wanting to show clear evidence of the handiwork. Whoever did this was good and used to being hidden.

Stepping through the door timidly, I heard another creak - this one louder and longer. I stood still waiting for it to pass and began to walk out again.

A small shriek caused me to stop in my tracks, and a small yet powerful body pushed into me, knocking me off my feet in surprise. "What the fu-" I began, my brows furrowing together at the small heap that lay next to me. "Don't move!" I heard the small creature gasp, and I looked above me. A loud creak broke the quiet atmosphere and I soon realized why. A large wooden beam moved alarmingly fast and fell, to my horror, to the ground with a bang that shook the entire building, and I grabbed the child and ran out of the dilapidated building.

Three more beams fell, and the entire room collapsed on itself without the colossal loadbearers. In panic, I ran into the street still clinging on to the small figure who was burying her face into my chest in fear. People began to crowd around the suddenly collapsing building, and still I ran. I still ran, still clutching the poor girl as if only I could save her life.

I ran about four blocks until I was sure we were away from everyone. Turning into a deserted street, I lay the girl down and looked at her for the first time. "You!" I shouted, shocked. "What the hell were you doing in there?"