Evolution

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Sometimes I surprise myself. This was huge! The first truly selfless act I ever committed. As I walk ever closer to the reality of my decision I can’t help but relate it to my childhood days. Video games. That was exactly right.

That was how my life turned out. Though tough to admit, I was never brave I simply hid. I waited for death and when it didnt come...I waited some more. Cowered. that was the word. I cowered from life in the dark dank dungeon of a subway.

I was the character, the pods were the boss. This is my last life, there is no continue, and my health is low. I am Mario skittering on the edge of tiny blocks with fireballs whizzing over my head, one wrong move and game over. Bowers victory, Peaches Demise.

I feel the wind lick my face and feel my grip tighten around the golf club. The pings of anxiety radiate through my chest and my footsteps echoe in my ears. Everything was so surreal. I can see the green shimmer in the sunlight and hear the stiffled gargles of hunger as they came rushing towards me.

I feel my resolution slowing fading into a dark cloud of fear. The sun seems to be burning brighter and my throat is void of all saliva. Dry. I feel like i’m swallowing tumbleweeds and razorblades.

I take a deep breath. Come on Trevor you can do this. You can! I know you can! You don’t need an extra life, just fight hard for this one. My thoughts fall short of bravery. A random memory and my mothers sweet voice flashes across my mind.

I was at the doctors, Those needles seemed so big at the time. So menacing. Just like all kids, I was doomed to letting that tiny sword poke deep in my skin. I was scared and I felt faint. The lights were brighter and noises were distance. I was losing it. Then my mothers sweet advice helped me through it.

“Close your eyes honey, distract yourself, think happy thoughts. Think about anything you wish and it will be over before you know it.”

I feel the beady eyes of podrats swarming closer, analyzing me. Baboons screech in the background and I see the tiny bastards in the trees. I was outnumbered. So I close my eyes. Distraction. I take a deep soothing breath and try my hand at poetry.

The Pods are clever in there endeavor

They patiently

wait for me

The same can be said for me

Unfortunately,

For one of us

This shall be

when we sleep peacefully

for all eternity!

This did nothing to help. If anything my own broken brain conjured up the exact phrases needed to make the situation worse. I was wishing for that needle. The first of many filthy angry rats jump at me, their claws mingling with the denim of my jeans. Their teeth trying desperately to find the soft meaty tissue beneath my armor. In a panic I kick. I kick, I scream and I swing my club.

No longer surreal, the moment was moving in fast forward. My chest no longer felt the sting of fear but the rush of adrenaline . Anger and resolution, Inner strength and commitment to survival. This is the very thing that makes us special. Makes us different than them. We have the ability to understand our situation and the inner strength to overcome our own extinction. We dont bow to an Alpha. We destroy the Alpha, We destroy the Alpha and warn any other dominant wannabes that their fate will be the exact same if they try to get us to submit.

I had the fire of hell burning inside me and I was intent on burning down the forest. The battle had just begun and as I watched the baboons close in on me, their nasty green fangs oozing fat drops of saliva and their lungs shrieking their war cry I anwsered their call.

“COME AND GET IT!”