One Choice can Change Everything

Running Away

TRIS POV

I run.

I run because I cannot take it anymore.

I run until my legs become jelly.

My lungs are on fire.

But, I can't stop.

To many thoughts racing in my mind. I need to outrun these thoughts.

I think of everything that led me to this moment of running from my brothers execution. Initiation. When all my problems was just trying to rank. The serums. Oh so many serums. Jeanine. Erudite.

I see Erudite's headquarters in the distance.

And all of a sudden I am back there.

Testing... Serums.... White walls....

I see my room. Four square walls. A camera. A mattress. I'm so tired, but I cannot sleep. Not until I escape this place. Tobias is probably worried sick. Where is he? Is he dead? That thought makes me claw at my throat and arms. I see blood under my nails from the scratches.

My door opens. It's Eric.

"Tris! Tris!" He says.

Why is he yelling at me?

I get up and lunge at him.

"Tris it's me! Stop" Eric says.

But, I can't stop it feels like I'm drowning. I have to kill Eric.

"TRIS!" Eric says. "It's me Tobias" .

I finally look into his eyes and instead of seeing Eric's cold hard eyes, I see an ocean. A deep blue ocean...

"Tobias"  I sob. I sob until I can't cry anymore.

"Tris are you okay? What happened?" Tobias says. You can hear the concern and confusion laced in his tone.

"I don't know." My voice cracks. "I was back in Erudite. Eric was there. He-he tried to take me back to testing." This brings back a whole new set of sobs. "It all felt so real" I say.

"It's not real, you're safe" Tobias says. "The war is finally over. We are done."

It's then I look up. Tobias has scratches all over his face.

"Oh my god" I say. "I hurt you, I'm so sorry I thought you were Eric, I'm an awful person."

"Tris. I am fine" he says. "It was just a flashback. You've been though so much. It's no wonder you are still here. You are not awful, you are brave, selfless and super smart. We will heal each other together. "

Together. I smile. I am his. He is mine. And it's been that way all along.

Page Break!

Tobias told me what happened in the city with Marcus and Evelyn. I understand why he did what he did. I just hope they leave us alone for a while.

We are now walking to the Bureau to unplug Uriah. This place holds so many memories. Mostly bad, but a few good.

I cannot wait to leave this place and start a new life with my friends. With Tobias, Zeke, Christina, Cara, and Shauna.

I go into Uriah's room alone. I need to say goodbye by myself.

"Hey, Uri" I say. "It's going to be really lonely around here. I'm going to miss you so much. I know you get to see Marlene, Will, Caleb and My parents. Tell all of them I am s-sorry" I sob. "I killed them all, Uriah. If only I had been more brave or more selfless, none of this would've happened." I hold Uriah's hand and cry hoping he will wake up and give me a goofy grin.

I squeeze his hand.

Trying to squeeze any life I can into him.

I think about ziplining and shooting a muffin off Marlene's head.

What will I do without him?

Uriah is one of my best friends.

I am practically smashing his hand.

I cry.
I hope.
I pray.
Just open your eyes, Uri.

...

But, he doesn't wake up.

After what seems like hours, his heart line turns into a flat line. I hug Zeke and Hana and say our goodbyes.

Tobias and I go back to his apartment in dauntless.  It's just how we left it 6 months ago.

Zeke and Shauna live a cross from us. With Christina and Hana on either side of them.

I cannot believe that this is where this year would take me.

I feel numb and hollow inside.

I am so exhausted after the events of today.

I lay curled next to Tobias.

"I love you" I say.

"I love you more" He replies groggily.

I go into a dark sleep.