Herze

Chapter 1: Dream (part 3)

 —This way I came today.— Judy says, pointing to the ground, taking a few steps back, and taking my hand. It's very rare for her to stray far from me, she must see me platonically or as a relative, perhaps a father.

Exiting the forest to move faster, we run behind the school where the incinerator is, everything seems quiet.

Without saying anything, we cross the building and venture back into the trees. Now that I think about it, I don't hear a single insect or bird... there's no wind either.

Slowing our pace when we're far enough from the fences, we peek through the edge of the vegetation, checking how safe it will be to descend without being seen.

—I'll go first.— I say without raising my voice. There doesn't appear to be anyone nearby, but the situation is becoming a bit paranoid.

I jump onto the roof of a house, there's not much difference in height, which makes it convenient, and being a roof with two sides, I can hide simply by leaning.

—IA.— I say, extending my arms towards her.

Without saying anything, IA jumps and I catch her to stabilize her body, at the same time she hides and looks around, most likely searching for a way to descend.

Judy is the last one, she's very light so I catch her in the air.

—Kyaaaa..— Judy whispers with an exaggerated expression..

—Thank goodness there are no dogs.— IA says, looking at the ground, and continues.

—Razar, hold me while I climb down the wall.— IA looks at me, near the edge of the roof.

I take her hands while she searches for the surface with her feet.

—Done.— IA says, and when I let go of her, she walks towards a brick grill in the corner, finally making her way to the ground.

—Judy, I'll go down first and you'll jump from the roof, kay?, I'll catch you again.— I say, putting my hand on her head.

—If you want to hug me that much, there's no need to pretend, Razar.— Judy says with a little laugh..

I smile and follow the same steps as IA, who is watching the street to assess the scenario we're in.

Without saying anything, I tilt my head, extending my arms upwards. Judy jumps without hesitation. I easily catch her, wrapping my arms around her, she looks a bit blushed. I take her hand, and we walk towards IA.

—Strangely, there are no police or military on this side, at least not on this street.— IA says, peering from the sidewalk, looking into the distance.

—So, if we're careful with the helicopter, we could walk without a problem, the houses will prevent them from seeing us.— I say.

We leave the yard where we were examining the place to cross the street. Running swiftly until we reach the next intersection a few meters away, where there's no way they can see us from where they closed the accesses.

—What a strange view.— IA says once we can move freely.

She's right, there's no sound, and everything looks deserted.

—Where could the scientists be?.— Judy asks, walking beside me.

—I think if we stopped for a moment, looking at these deserted streets, it would feel like we were the last ones on earth.— I say.

It's a normal place, houses, trees, some parked cars, but there's no one around, it's as mysterious as it is subtly terrifying.

—IA, do you hear that?.— I ask.