Faded Promises

The Calm Before...

Under the shade of a tree, realization will unfold...

Ray and I were sitting under the usual tree. It had become the spot we go to after exams, although he comes here more frequently than I do. We made a silent agreement, years ago to meet here if we don't feel like playing.

Ray suddenly closed his book and stood up dusting himself off. He then held out a hand to help me stand. We then started to go through the woods presumably to follow Norman and Emma. Once they seemed to be going back we sat by a rock and waited for them to come through.

They were immersed on how to tell us about the situation.

"I'll talk to Ray." Norman said, "You should go back and tell Lily."

"It's fine. You can tell us now." Ray said startling both of them.

They turned our way and we waved at them from our spot on the rock.

"Ray?! Lilian?!" They shouted in unison.

"Sorry, we followed you guys." Ray revealed standing up and closing his book, "It's been bugging me... So I thought I should ask." Ray handed Emma the book he was holding and wrapped an arm around Emma's shoulder and grabbed Norman's. "What happened at the gate?" Ray asked, "You were both acting weird. And came back empty-handed when you said you 'didn't make it'." He started choking them.

"And ever since then you two have been acting suspicious and talking in whispered conversations too much." I added.

"You both are so sharp!" Norman exclaimed.

"So of course something happened." Ray pressed on, "Give it up." Ray finally let go of them as they confirmed to explain what happened.

"Will you help us?" Norman asked.

Ray and I exchanged looks, I sighed.

"Sure." Ray said for the both of us.

"Then let me explain." Norman started, "We all have to escape from here."

-----

I was shocked at the revelation, Emma and Norman managed to uncover so much in a short amount of time.

"Demons..." Ray gasped covering his mouth, "A farm... Mom is the enemy?" He looked the Emma and Norman and said, "Isn't that seriously bad?" He then exclaimed, "That explains the grated windows!"

"Actually, I'm surprised you believe us so easily." Emma implored, "You're not going to make fun of us?"

"Isn't it the truth..." I said wearily, "I mean it sounds possible enough."

"Huh? Of course I'd believe it." Ray said, "There's no way Norman would make up this stupid of a lie. He's not you, Emma." He made a jab at her.

I grabbed Ray's hand and tell him to stop.

"So, if we're really going to escape..." Ray continued, "There are various issues, the biggest is the number of kids. We could never take everyone. We should narrow it down to those who could make it, and..."

"Wait." Emma cut him off, "I want everyone to escape. We need your help to make it happen!" Determination was on her face, she truly wanted everyone to come with her.

"Everyone?" I questioned wearily, "That might be too much..."

"You're kidding right?" Ray questioned seriously, "There are 38 of us in total, and most of us are under the age of six!" He elaborated, "Mom, Demons, Tracking Devices. These factors make a difficult escape even more challenging."

"I know that but...!" Emma pressed on, "I don't think it's impossible!"

"It might be." I challenged.