The Life of Natalie Prior

Chapter 9 - Violent Nine Year Old

Chapter 9 - Violent Nine Year Old

The truck slows to a stop and the man is quick on his feet as he comes over and takes off my handcuffs. He picks me up under my armpits and carries me near his ribs.

I shove him. Hard.

I'm not a five year old that needs to be carried.

"Just trust me, I'm on your side, kid. Things are changing here, and they aren't changing for the better. Listen to me, and I'll keep you safe, got it?" He whispers to me in a rushed tone.

I nod, hoping that he is telling the truth, and that I can really trust him.

The air is slightly bitter as we completely leave the truck. The chilly breeze nips my ears as my chocolate hair blows to my left with the direction of the wind.

The breeze nips at my ears and the tip of my nose as dad lifts me up in his arms, his large arms warming my smaller ones. The wind whips around us as my hair blows along with it, making me feel as if I'm flying.

"Dad?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Why can't I fly?"

"Who ever told you that you couldn't?"

Before I could reply, he shifted me in his arms and held me horizontally with his head and ran. I laughed as I spread my arms out and became one with the wind.


As I look around, I notice that there is barely any plant life in the area. There's no trees, no grass or no flowers. Just a lot of white buildings; both new and old.

"Listen carefully to everything I say now. Don't question it, just do it."

I nod.

"Whatever you do, don't tell them how old you really are. Act like you are younger too. Maybe like you're seven or eight. Don't tell them anything about your past. And definitely do not tell them you are from Milwaukee. Don't tell them your name, age, or home, the names of your parents, or anything that could lead them to who you truly are. Act as young as you possibly can. Feel free to make up a name for yourself or tell them your seven or whatever. Just do not tell them the truth. You're smart, and I'm sure you can pull it off. I'll be back in a while. Something big is going to happen in the next few days. Things are changing... Just be aware of that."

He carries me past a tall, strange blue sculpture that has water dripping slowly from it, and then through a large, crisp, white door.

Everything inside of the building is white and crisp, but run down and old. It looks like it must be one of the older buildings. The man carries me down a long hallway with multiple doors.

It reminds me of the one doctors office in the middle of town back home.

All of the patient rooms lined up, awaiting the death of innocent, nervous people that will enter them to never return happy.

I never liked going to the doctors office...

The man opens a door and brings me into it, shutting it behind us.