clutter

i can ride

“Where are you going?” I ask Alex.

“I'm going to see Rylan.”

My heart manages not to skip too many beats at the mention of his name. Without hesitating, I say, “I'm coming with.”

“No!” Mack shouts behind me, but we both ignore him.

“You can ride?” he asks.

I can't. I mean, I can, but not really. I did once at camp and I remember what to do, but if we have to gallop, I'll be road kill.

I smile. “Of course.”

“Chance, you can't-” Mack starts, but I shoot him daggers. He stops talking.

“Then you can come,” Alex confirms.

Without more conversation, he leaves the room. I start to pack.

“What about me?” Mack insists.

“You have to stay here with Uly. There's enough food and water here to last months, never mind a few days. Don't go outside. Keep all windows and doors closed and locked. If someone comes, make sure it's Rachel, Julie or Raina. Anybody else? Don't answer. My friends will brings movies, boardgames and whatnot, okay? They'll be by at least once a week.”

“How long do you expect to be gone?”

“As long as it takes to bring Rylan back.”

“You mean to convince him to come back.”

“He doesn't need convincing, but yeah, same thing.”

“Not really.”

“Goodbye, Mack. I'll be back before you die of boredom.”

“Someone else might kill me before I die of boredom,” he tells me monotonously.

“In that case, I love you.”

I give him a sisterly hug and a peck on the cheek.

-Alethiometer