The fire burned around the bike. The flames licked the rubber of the tires. Everyone around me watched in horror, their eyes reflecting the flickering embers. Smoke billows in huge gusts up into the smoky grey air. The wind blew south-east, carrying the smog across the abandoned city. I gazed up into the polluted sky. “Why,” I thought, “do people destroy the only world we have to live in?” A tear shone in my eye as I thought of my family’s death. The bike was the only piece of my life that was left: it was my father’s. I lived with him ever since my mother’s death three years ago, but now he is gone. The bike is gone.
“Father,” I whisper. “I’m sorry.” My head throbs as the tears cascade down my cheeks. My heart is breaking. If only . . . if only I wasn't so extremely scared of everything. I will show them all that I can be strong. I run down the back alley, my boots clicking on the cement. I will show them that I can complete my destiny.
Suddenly I hear the sound of coughing near my left foot. I turn and look down at the figure. It is a young boy dressed in white. His blue eyes are filled with tears.
“What . . . who are you?” he coughs.
“Shhh . . .” I soothe. “Relax. I’m Emma, and I’m here to help you.”
“I’m . . .” he coughs violently. I almost want to tell him not to speak, but I’m curious to know what his name is. “ . . . Zach.”
“Don’t worry, Zach,” I say. “I’m gonna get you out of here.” My heart is pounding in my chest, and my lungs are burning. “We . . . we have to go now!” He nods, and I outstretch a hand to help him to his feet. He takes it and we stand up. Coughing, he puts his arm around my shoulder to steady himself.
“Don’t think this means anything,” I snap. He nods. Together we march into the smoke.
Later that evening, Zach lies next to me, fast asleep. I regret doing what I am about to do, but I must.
“I’m sorry, Zach. It’s for the better.” I slip out of the alley we lie in, leaving the boy behind. To be able to prove myself, I must do this alone. I quickly run away from the sleeping boy.
