Welcome To Trench

Chapter Four | Long Time, No See

Didn't think I'd be posting at all today since I started off my morning feeling quite down, but I can't let my motivation go to waste so here ya go!!

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Just a little more.

That was the only thing on Tyler's mind as he ran for his life, Josh keeping pace at his side. He could feel an icy burn in the back of his throat with every breath his body struggled to inhale. Oxygen seemed like a fantasy at this point. They were met face to face with a tall, metal wired fence with scraps of barbed wire laid at the top. There was no other option.

The two leaped, hands grasping onto the fence for dear life. Their fingertips practically begged for mercy, pleading that either of them did not slip and fall. Close behind came the Bishops; the red hooded superiors. The principles who promised 'protection' with a life long guarantee of misery and desolation.

Tyler and Josh scrambled up the wire, the frantic sound of clashing metal blending in with their unsteady heartbeats. Josh swung his leg over, hopping off and landing with a small wobble. He arose with dusty palms whilst Tyler remained on the fence.

"J-Josh.." said Tyler quietly, his voice unheard.

"We gotta go!" Josh shouted from the other side. His squinted eyes flickered between his friend and the Bishops.

"Josh." He was louder now, "Josh, I-I can't!" Tyler looked down. The pant leg of his gray sweats caught onto a wire that had unweaved itself from the fence.

Josh came running almost immediately, the terror written all over Tyler's face copied and pasted onto Josh's. He tried reaching through, twisting the wire, and even striking the fence out of frustration. Anything that could possibly free his friend.

Tyler kicked, and kicked, and kicked, but to no avail. "It's no use!" He exclaimed, tears pricking at his eyes. All this hope had tuckered him out, leaving him hopeless.

"No, No.." Josh shook his head. "Maybe if we-"

Tyler cut him off, "No, Josh." He looked to his friend with stern eyes. His face held a look of seriousness, but the gleam in his sorrowful gaze shown he had given up. "You need to go. Now."

"But-"

"I'll be okay. Don't worry about me." Tyler placed his hand atop Josh's. A sad smile lifted the corners of the younger boys lips, which quivered ever so slightly. "Run and be free. Just like we always dreamed of."

Josh stared. As a mixture of terror and adrenaline coursed through his veins, his body went into fight or flight mode. He could stay and help his only friend, risking his own safety in the process. Or, he could do as Tyler says and abandon him.

He'd have to save the fight for another time.

Josh nodded shakily, his throat sore as he swallowed nervously. "I'll come get you," He pursed his lips, holding back a sob, "I promise."

Tyler watched as Josh stepped back slowly before fully turning around and sprinting off in the opposite direction. Though his chest painfully ached to witness himself get left behind, he smiled. Josh was going to be okay.

Rough, gloved hands wrapped around Tyler's throat, others grasped his arms, legs, and even at his torso. They pulled him from the fence with ease. Tyler didn't fight back. He felt no reason to. Instead, he stared blankly into the starless sky as the screaming shadows engulfed his figure.