Moment to moment

-2-

The morning is dull and foreboding, ominous clouds block the sun, plunging everything into monotone gray.

Silent as a mouse, I creep along the streets. Sticking to the shadows and avoiding windows and roads as much as possible, I come to the one house that sends a spark of pain through my chest.

The windows are boarded and the place looks awfully small compared to the towering buildings just a block down. Over the last month, I've scouted the area, praying for signs of life. Luckily they came, though briefly.

I go round the back.

The door has a heavy lock but that's not what I aim for, I climb the boards and crevices on the side to the roof. Hanging with half my body over the edge, my feet braced firmly against the tiles of the roof, I rap three times on one tiny, non-boarded section of the window.

Counting slowly, holding my breath, I almost fall over when a familiar face appears.

I do a few quick hand signals then pull myself up into a sitting position.

After approximately two minutes and fifteen seconds, she reappears the way I'd came, dressed simply in pants and a long sleeved shirt.

We stare at each other for a few seconds, then run into the other's arms. I embrace her wholeheartedly, trying desperately to hold in the sob rising in my throat.

"I didn't think I'd see you again." Her voice hitches.

I press my cheek against her forehead,"Mira, you really would doubt me like that?"

She laughs lightly.

Time passes, minutes? Hours? I don't know. But we don't let go, can't let go.

"How—how is everyone?" I stutter out.

She pulls her head a little away from my shoulder so she can respond,"My mom is holding in there, Dad is frantic."

My hands start to shake,"Are you—"

"No, I'm not sick."

I let out a huge, relieved sigh,"That's good."

After another long pause, I continue,"I'm leaving again. Heading North, towards Oregon maybe. I just needed to see you at least one more time."

I feel wet drops soak the hem of my shirt,"Sky...it's been over a year since the last time. Why leave so soon?"

I choke back my explanation of being here for the last month. She can't know that I resisted seeing her, that I was convinced it was best.

"Life is too dangerous to hang around too long." I manage to say.

She pulls back so she can look into my face. The broken look in her eyes sends a white hot poker through my heart, it takes all my will not to scream.

"I understand but you need to promise me."

"Mira—"

"Promise me," She closes her eyes,"that this is not the last time we see each other face to face."

I keep my mouth shut for a few seconds, then nod slowly,"I promise."