inhale.

chapter 1

•flashback•

This place seems so separate from the mess of the rest of the world. I felt his hands on the side of my face, I felt the heat coming off his body. I heard the catch of his breath, and when our lips finally came together our kisses were urgent. Our bodies hungry. I heard him whisper hoarsely "I'm sorry" I looked up at him with a tear, he hugged me as our hands interlock. "We can escape"

•reality•

BANG! I heard a gunshot a couple floors below. I have to get out of here, I need to find him, I know he's out there. I went to get my backpack and ran to the kitchen quickly but quietly throwing jars of food into the bag. I looked at the knives and picked the biggest one there. I tiptoe over to my door, I put my hand on the doorknob as I looked back at my apartment. a tear rolled down my face. I wiped it off and opened the door trying not to make even the slightest bit of noise.

I stepped out of my door scared for my life. I run down the hall quietly and open the door to the stairs. I heard loud screams coming from done there. I took one step, before I could make it pass the floor below me I heard the door open. I look down as guys in black suits with guns come up the stairs. I run as fast as I can to the roof. I closed the door behind me I just couldn't help that it made a little bit of noise. I walk over to the edge and look around. Smoke filled the air as flames filled the streets. I stepped back and inhale. I inhaled all the smoke that clouded my lungs, leaving me breathless. I run to the ladder to go down to the middle of the building. I stepped off at someone's balcony. I hopped from balcony to balcony hoping just to feel the ground.

I jumped to the ground as I felt the hot sand overcome my skin. All I saw was burning buildings in the distance.
I started walking down a road that was once filled with green grass and beautiful houses but now filled with the burning sensation of dust and heat. I looked around and thought, what is this place. the world was rotten, but some how I survived. I inhale the burning air. The smell of burnt flesh filled my lungs, sweat dropped down my face as I saw those guys in black suits again and duck into the bushes trying not to be spotted. I kept hearing gunshots and bombs explode near by. I was scared but I needed to find him, I needed to make sure that he was safe. I miss him but, it's my fault he got captured. It was me, me, me. The word was screeching over and over in my head like a broken record. The big men walk past, in a marching form. I couldn't help but notice that the badges they had on were apart of the military. They passed me but I waited a few minutes just to be sure I wouldn't get caught. I step out into the road again, I looked at the little convenience store which was abandon with stolen goods inside and a broken window.

I stepped into our local grocery store hoping to find more food for the way. I searched up and down every isle swiping things off the shelves. I turned the corner to see a man laying on the floor asking for help. I couldn't help but let out a scream when I saw him. He was reaching out to me, trying to grab my hand. I pulled my hand out to him just to help him up. Our finger tips finally touch. However I felt the pressure of a pull towards my body as i fall to the ground. I looked up at him as he had a knife in his hands. He laughed and said "give me all the food in the bag". I didn't say anything but i think he could tell fear filled my eyes. "NOW" he yelled. I gesture the bag towards him as the knife he had nearly touching me. "here, here it is" I said. I move the bag a little closer to him just enough for me to hit him with the bag and grab his knife. I got up as quickly as possible and kicked him in the stomach leaving him in pain. I looked around and started sprinting to the exit. As I was running everything went silent. All i heard was ringing and my heartbeat seeping through my ears. "HELP" i screamed. "HELPPPPP"!