Overpopulation

The Soldier

Oh my god. I started to have a panic attack.

My mom shushed me and motioned towards stairs that went underground.

"Where are we going?" I whispered so no one would notice us.

"I think this leads to the sewers." Mom replied.

"Ewww Stink stink!" my brother added.

We continued down the steps. The stairway got dark and quiet and a little slippery. Every so often a dim light would show up, but most of the time we weren't able to see eachother.

All of the sudden, a few levels up we could here the door slam open. The sound of troop orders rung through out  the building.

A loud, clear voice sent terrifying orders. "Go go go!! Upstairs, clear the building! I want to see NOBODY alive by the time we get out of here. I'll search downstairs."

I froze.

My mom whisper-screamed, "Go now!! I'll carry Andrew!"

We ran down quietly, hoping the soldier didn't know we were down here.

We came across a short hallway with a dim light and a desk. The desk had a map and a few pencils on it. The brick walls off a disgusted vibe, and the unswept floors didn't help either.

A pocket knife lay on its side on the table.

My mom looked at the knife, and then towards the noise from the soldier coming down the steps.

No. My mo-NO. Is my mom really gonna stab a soldier?

She took the knife in her hands and hid behind the wall; motioning us to come.

She went over to the other side where the stairs also ended, and tossed me the knife.

No. She was gonna make me do it.