Unbroken

Chapter 3

I wake to the hoot of an owl. Its still dark outside but that is exactly what I need. I slowly crawl out of my "bed" and cringe at the blistering cold. As quickly as I can I grab the same jeans from yesterday, the hoodie from too, and knee high brown boots, perfect for hiding my knife. I leave my room and peek into were my father is. He's still sleeping, of corse. I tip-toe in and grab the crossbow as quietly as I can. Not because I care about his sleep but because if I wake him, he may want to... Talk. I sling it across my back and then walk out. Gone as fast as I came.

I walk into our "kitchen" which is a 4ft by 4ft room with a fire pit in the middle, a hole in the roof, and a bowl with water in it. I sit on the stool next to the fire pit. I reach to the floor and pick up my small knife. I slide it into one of my boots and then I stretch my leg out as far as it will go so that it lands on my other knife. When it does I slide my foot back and bring the knife with it. This knife is much bigger than my other one. Its long and very sharp. I would have to say I use it the most, for skinning my game and sometimes, rarely anymore, for self defense. But most of the people in my town know not to mess with me.

------flash back----

I walked out of my house to find many of the society officials standing around the square. This could only mean one thing. They were looking for a fight. One of the older men looked at me and gave me and evil grin. I took a step back, probably looking like a scared little fifteen year old at the time. One of the officials stood on a platform and talked on a loudspeaker. "We have traveled many miles and have come to check in on our outer city." The official said. That was probably one of the biggest lies I ever heard. They didn't give a damn about us. "We made a shocking discovery this morning. There was a robbery of one of the bakeries. We have two suspects." He pointed to a boy who looked the same age as me but was very muscular. The boys face grew grim as everyone looked at him. Then all of a sudden the official turned, his gray eyes locked on mine. At first I was confused but then when he lifted his finger towards me, reality set in. They suspected me.

Yes, my family may have been starving, but I don't steel.

"The two of you are our suspects" the official said. "But since we don't know who committed the crime we will have a little contest. A fight. Winner will not be charged. You have to make the other person go unconscious and then you win." He said. I looked to the boy and noticed that he was much bigger than me and he looked at me with sorrow on his face. Maybe because he thought I was helpless and that he was going to face an incapable opponent. Boy was he wrong.

The people of our town made a large circle. This was our battlefield. I didn't want to do this but I had no choice. "When I press this button, you will hear a loud buzz. When you hear it, you may start." said the official. I felt the weight of the knife in my boot. I refused to use it unless I was forced to.

We stood about 10ft away from each other. I heard a loud, high pitched buzz and the boy reluctantly ran towards me. I didn't even think as I reacted. As soon as he was one stride away from pushing me to the ground I quickly slipped around him, slide my foot around his ankle, and pulled. His feet flew out from beneath him and he landed on his stomach. I looked to my left and saw the faces of shocked people. Then I looked to my right and saw the same. But not to long after, I turned attention back on the boy. He got up, clearly shocked and a little dizzy. But he shook his head a couple of times and seemed to compose himself. He came at me again but now knew what I'm was going to do. Before I could get around him he grabbed my wrist and twisted it behind my back. He pulled hard and the pain shot up my arm. I cringed but I didn't cry out. He used his free hand and punched me strait in the side if my head. I fell to my knees. I eventually recovered from the blow. Looking up at him I saw pain in his eyes. He was as pained by this as I was.

He took a step towards me and pulled out a small sharp knife from his pocket. Again I remembered my own knife and I pleaded to the boy with with my thoughts, don't make me use it. But he walked closer and then silently said 'I'm sorry'. I looked down and shook my head in disapproval and sadness. I looked at him again and I could tell he was confused.

In one swift motion I grabbed my knife and slide it out of my boot. I jumped to my feet. He looked at my large knife but I saw no expression on his face. He just looked down. I leaped towards him and then placed the blade at the top of his shoulder and slide down. he cried out and I felt a tear fall down my cheek.

He fell to his knees. I needed to end this. So I flipped my knife around in my hand, the handle facing outward. Then used it to strike him in the skull. His body went limp as he fell unconscious.

I slowly put the knife back were it belonged. Then I looked up at the official with tears still on my face. he grinned widely at me. "Congratulations." He said. "You are free of the charges." I looked at him and felt bile rise up in my throat. I didn't even care if this boy really did steal, it was probably for legitimate reason if he did. I couldn't let him be punished. He was already hurt. "No. Punish me, not him." I said. I heard gasps all around me. The official narrowed his eyes. "Why would you want to do that my dear?" He said. "I don't see the point in letting this boy suffer more." I replied. "You won. He lost. He will be punished." He said, clearly annoyed. "But what if I told you that I did it. I stole." I said. He glared. "In that case you will be punished." He said. "What are my charges?" I replied bluntly. "No extra food rations for three months." It wasn't that bad for me, I didn't normally use them anyway, I hunted instead. "Okay." I said. "The high officials will be notified of this change." He said finally, then motioned to the other society officials to come with him. "It is time for us to depart. Go on with your days." He said and they all left.

I ran over to the boy, who laid in a puddle of his own blood. I knelt beside him and took off my jacket. I tightly wrapped it around the gash on his arm. Then I tried to pick him up, but helplessly failed. Then after a few minutes of my effortless struggling, I heard foot steps come towards me. I looked up to see no one had left and they all walked to me.

Some helped me lift him up and all the others bowed there heads in respect.

I spent the rest of that day taking care of the boy, and continued the weeks following. Eventually I got him well. But my visits never stopped.

---------End of Flashback--------

As I think about that memory, I smile.

I leave my house and make the half hour walk to the woods. When I finally make it there I walk around looking for a familiar face. And then I spot him. I walk over to my best friend Ryan sitting on a  rotting log, sharpening his hunting knife.

The boy from all those years ago never left my life.