Super Short Stories

Draft: When I Get There (Alternate Beginning)

ZERO

It is storming. I can feel the wind whipping my dark hair into my face as I stare at the countryside in turmoil. I turn my head and look around, but there is nothing in sight except grassy plains surrounding me.

Questions swirl through my head. Where am I? Why am I here? Who am I?

My mind is empty, and I am in an unknown place. I try to think about who I am, but my mind fills with even more questions. What is happening to me? Why can I not remember? I frantically look around, wondering helplessly if this is real or not.

I see a road in the distance, so I begin to run towards it. The worn-out Nike sneakers I wear pound on the muddy ground beneath me, and the heavy rain soaks my light blue hoodie.

I finally reach the road, but it is just as abandoned as the field was. The dirt road that it once was is now puddles of grass and mud, and it looks like it hasn't been used in years. Thunder claps in the distance. I jump from the sound, but then refocus on the road in front of me. In either direction there are no signs of life. Nothing.

I am all alone.

Another clap of thunder resounds, this time followed by a strike of lightning. I do not jump, but instead I watch how the area is illuminated. In that moment, I saw a fleeting image of a girl in a puddle. She had tired blue eyes and clothes in tatters; the girl did not move. Another strike of lightning, and the girl's transparent eyes stared back at me.

I tear my eyes away from the image. The girl can wait. First, I need to get out of this lifeless valley. Away from the haunting images of things I am unable to remember. 

I turn away and begin to walk, but the moment does not last long. I hear a roar of thunder overhead, and I get no time to think before a charged strike of lightning hits me on my head.

I collapse on the grassy shoulder of the muddy road.