FUTURITY

RUNNING

The truck drove through the city. Jason's mind was in a haze. And he didn't know what to think. He tried not to think.

The truck stopped with a squeal and Jason peeked over the tailgate. He had been carried to what looked like the edge of town, to a lonely gas station on a road apparently not well-traveled. The truck engine shut off, making Jason look through the back window. He could see the driver bent over. Jason hoped the man was just scared and not hurt.

He slipped out of the truck bed and hurried around to the back of the gas station. He slumped against a Dumpster. His thoughts seemed to be jumping around his brain. He thought of rushing back into the city. No. He shook his head. I can't. If those agents are dead, the FBI believes I am a killer. This ANO group is after me too. Maybe staying hidden is the best thing to do right now.

A cool wind blew on his sweaty face. What does ANO want with me? He scratched his head and shifted his weight. It must have something to do with this extra body organ. But how did they know I was at the hospital? Were they watching me before? Did they insert Ericka into the hospital after I was admitted?

Jason put his head in his hands. Ericka said ANO was everywhere.

His whole body sagged as dread came over him. I don't know who I can trust. So I can't be caught by either ANO or the FBI. I need to find out why ANO wants me and somehow stop them.

Jason shivered. Though the days of fall were getting cooler, it wasn't cold. It was just —lonely. He shook his head, thinking of that one word. Lonely described his whole life.

Memories of Kiera and her kind laugh came to him and he swallowed back tears. He missed her and now, he couldn't be able to talk to her for a long time. And what about Aunt Debbie and Uncle Max? Were they okay? Even if they were fine, he knew they were probably losing their minds about him. 

Jason swiped at the corners of his eyes and walked slowly to the empty road. The truck was gone now and he saw no cars. He stepped onto the asphalt and looked back toward the city. He heard sirens in the distance.

He turned and looked in the other direction. A lonely landscape opened before him. He saw that the road wound through small, rolling green hills to the gleaming white-capped mountains.

There's no turning back. The thought was terrifying. But somehow Jason knew it was true.

God, please help me.

He balled his hands into fists and lifted his foot. He made the first step. Each step gained momentum and he walked faster and faster.

Jason could do this.

He would do this.