The Wave

Alien

I stumbled, in awe, as I stepped into the world that seemed unfamiliar. Even though it was midnight, there was a faint glow that lit up the abyss around me. The wisp-like glow came from the sun that should have gone down but was lingering in the sky like day. I had memories of riding my bike down this road but now it is unrecognizable. Alien! The floor cracked beneath my feet as I stepped and I jumped to the side in surprise, realizing that the floor was practically dust. Dried, shrivelled, broken. My Dad is broken, the World is broken, soon, I'll be as well. Once again, thoughts of going back to my room lingered in my mind, but they were overpowered by thoughts of duty for my Family!

As I wandered aimlessly down the non-existent path ahead, I turned slowly, in order to have a last glance at the home I might never return to. I made a promise to myself that I would not ever return home unless I could bring help, save my Dad or die trying. I felt the heat already having an effect on me even though I hadn't even gone 10 meters away from my house. I started getting worried and wondered whether this was crazy and that I should think about self-preservation. I decided to push my thoughts to one side but, it is important that I do survive for as long as I can, so slipped my bag off my arm and unzipped it, hoping I would find something useful. I rummaged around for a minute not able to find anything. Then, I had an idea. I had seen a couple of survival videos when I was younger and remembered that you could tie a piece of clothing around your head to block the sun off a bit. So, I stripped my jumper off (because I was too hot anyway) and bound it around my skull. I suddenly felt immediate relief and kept walking along the crusty road ahead.

After 10 minutes of non-stop walking, I decided that I should have a break because I was sore and hot and thirsty. I reached to my right where a water flask was strapped to the side of my bag. I opened it and started to gulp the cold fluid, I felt the chill of the water run through my body (it was the most satisfying feeling I had ever felt). I stopped myself after remembering that this was all the water I had and refastened the bottle to my pack. I glanced around to see if there was any shelter nearby, I needed to get out of the sun for a bit, and spotted a small tree quite close that was providing a bit of shade. I rushed over under this tree and sat there in relief as I breathed in and out gently. Regaining the strength that I had lost after only 10 minutes. Only 10 minutes! If I'm being honest, the thought was terrifying, 10 minutes is only a tiny portion of a whole day. At this rate, I won't even get close to saving anyone, it could take weeks, months, years. I just don't know! I climbed to my feet and started walking in the direction of the sun, with millions of questions circling through my head...

When will I find help?

How long will it take?

What will the help be?

Who will help me?

Where am I or anyone else in this Alien world!?