Death To Thora - COMPLETE SHORT STORY

Ten

Even though it's raining enough to flood the streets, fire erupts from random buildings and from the grass between the road.

I trudge my way around, trying to figure out where he would be. I can't help but look for the tallest building in Aderith, conveniently stood closer to the border than any other building. That must be it. I can't keep my eyes open long enough against the wind and rain to see if he's up there or not, so I just run and pray that he is.

There is a ladder on the side, protected by a cage. Heights in this kind of storm kind of feel like a death wish.

What if I fall? What if I die here and never get to see my father before he passes? Or tell my mother that I'm sorry for leaving her? Or tell my little brother that he's going to be okay without his Dad?

I grab the first rung on the ladder. What if this is my last chance to do something that my father could be proud of? What if my father is already dead and leaving doesn't matter anyway? What would my father think of me running away instead of trying to help people?

This is my opportunity to figure out who I am. Am I a coward, like I've always believed? Or am I as brave as my mother says I am?

Lightning strikes across the sky, breaking up my thoughts. A sense of urgency overthrows my rationale and I start climbing. My hands are so cold that I can't feel sensation anymore, but I force them to keep grabbing the next rung, force my feet to keep pushing me up. The cage protects me from the wind, but the rain still finds its way in, covering me completely. My hair sticks to my face, pushing into my eyes, but I don't dare take a hand from the ladder to wipe it away. I close my eyes and keep climbing.

When I reach the top of the ladder, I throw myself onto the roof. I lay there for a second, catching my breath before standing on my feet. I wipe the rain and hair from my face and look around frantically for him.

I run without caution, the sound of my splashing steps guarded by the howling wind and rain.

There is something stronger than doubt, stronger than fear in my lungs as they struggle to breathe.

There is hope.

The night air tears through my white dress, tossing it behind me along with my hair. My coat isn't fastened tight enough, so it flies open and off into the storm. I begin to shiver. My heart continues to race as I search for him.

Silent lightning flashes in the distance. I want to duck down and hide, but I force myself to run. I have to stop it. I have to stop him.

I round a brick pillar, and there he is. Lurking over the edge, watching something below with a razor focus. He didn't even hear me coming.

Lightning strikes again. I let myself walk toward him, pacing each step with the kind of precision that will protect my presence. The town is glittering below, asleep and safe. I know that won't last for long.

"I worried you would show up." He chimes, turning to face me.

My heart clatters against my ribcage, but I try to slow my breathing. I don't want him to see me scared. I clear my throat. "Here I am."

"Here you are." He sounds a deathly calm, but his strong jaw clenches. His face is dirtied with shadows, contouring his hollowed cheeks and eyes. The usual faint freckles that spill across his nose and cheek bones are sharp in this lighting. Everything about him is sharper, deadlier. His dark, fluffy hair hangs over his forehead and into his eyes, but I can still see them, empty and cold, watching me carefully.

I could say something deceitful, use my innocent appearance and his secrets to my advantage, but I decide to cut straight to the point. We don't have time for mind games.