We’ve stopped in a village in the forest. We stopped because I passed out and I don’t remember why, but Jason says it’s because of the heat. I believe him.
He says we’ve been walking for a day and a half and it was lucky the villagers found us before I died from something called sunstroke. I believe him. I’m sweating hard even now just laying here. I’m not even doing anything.
I’ve never had sunstroke before. Nobody I know of has. Our city is temperature-controlled from city hall. I’ve seen the panel before. It’s full of buttons and switches and thermometers. I also saw the security room where there were lots of video screens showing parts of the city. I can’t remember why I was there or how I got in.
I think there’s a fuzzy part in my brain but Jason says it’s just because of the sunstroke and I should be good to go soon. He hasn’t ever talked so much as he is now, but I like it. His voice I soothing.
A girl about my age walks into the room carrying a basket with a pile of cloth in it. “For her head” “Thank you, Maeve.” Maeve.
I rub my fingers into my temples to relieve the tension. I can’t remember. There’s so much I can’t remember.
But I remember who I am, at least. I am Cecily Evans. I am 18 years old. I was held back in 5th grade because I started a fight. It was my fault.
The boy had provoked me and so I hit him. Simple as that. Why does that seem so wrong now? I feel sick in the face of violence. I haven’t so much as pinched anyone since then. I’d learned my lesson.
Me and Jason ran away from the city to this village because an outbreak of violence had started in the streets and he knew I couldn’t handle it. It only just stopped but we’re not going to go back until we’re sure it’s gone for good. That’s what he told me. I believe him. I love him.
