The Last Generation - Prologue

Okay peeps. Working title is "The Last Generation". Please note that I wrote this when I was younger, and have only tweaked it once or twice, so do consider it to be an extremely rough draft. Unfortunately, blogger does not allow me to indent the paragraphs, *pulls out hair in frustration* so...it is not very easy on the eyes to read. I do warn, as well, that the prologue is a tad bit depressing and not engaging or exciting in any manner at all. Haha. Just a warning. But I'll make you a deal, you post a comment, and I'll post another part of the story. *evil grin*

Prologue

A small girl trudged through the cold November evening; her chin was tucked to her chest and her hands were shoved deep into her pockets in an attempt to keep warm. She kneaded her stiff fingers against her thighs, trying to regain the feeling that was lost an hour ago. Every shiver that overcame her seemed not to hurt as much as before. Her breath, which a few hours ago came in big steamy puffs, now barely showed in the frosty air at all. She wearily kept her eyes glued to the white line on the edge of the road so she wouldn’t wind up lost in a forest somewhere…Until now, that was all she cared about; getting to a safe place where she wouldn’t be cold. But none of that seemed to matter anymore.
The girl was tired, cold, hungry. Images of the past few days vividly replayed themselves in her mind. Hallucinations riddled her sight as she stumbled over the asphalt. It felt like no more than a dream for her; a dream in which she wanted to leave immediately. She drifted in and out of consciousness, tripping and hitting the ground more than a few times. As much as she tried, she couldn’t even remember her name, or even where she lived. All she knew was the images were her worst nightmares reflected; and that those nightmares were real.
She blinked a few times and tried to clear her jumbled thoughts. She felt senseless; like she was in a different dimension than this. The ground beneath her feet felt like it was made entirely of cotton balls. She strained to get a breath and felt nothing pass through. Her legs were still moving, but she wasn’t intentionally putting one foot in front of the other. All she wanted to do now was fall asleep.
Her legs suddenly buckled under her, and she fell to her knees. She grunted out of habit, but didn’t feel any pain. So many thoughts flew though her mind, but none really made any sense to her. So many emotions had risen up in the past three days; that she remembered. But all she felt now was the compelling desire to close her frost-covered eyelids and shut the cold and the horrible images out.
The girl suddenly lifted her head, almost oblivious to the snow swirling around her. She tenderly pulled her hands free from the pockets of her jeans. A silver ring with an unnaturally green stone inlaid glinted as she transferred her hands to her jacket pocket. She gazed at the gray jacket that was two sizes too big for her, and didn’t really keep the wind out. Wrapping the insufficient garment tighter around herself she suppressed a shiver. The jacket had belonged to her 12 year-old brother, Chris.
She stared into the dark night, a small smile creeping onto her face. He was a good two inches taller than she, and even though he was only a year older, he looked like he was a grown man at times. His bleach blonde hair, just like hers, would’ve matched the color of the little bit of snow layering the ground. His gray eyes, also identical to hers, would be scanning the night for any dangers. She had looked up to him when things were hard, when she couldn’t do it on her own. She half-expected to feel his warm hand on her arm prompting her to stand up and keep going.
But he wasn’t there.
“Chris....” The name left her lips with sadness; she didn’t want to accept it, but she knew what the reality was. She rocked back and forth, that numbing feeling of shock that she had suppressed for three days finally coming to the surface. She forced herself to look up. She willed her heart to forget the past and to push back the oncoming flow of tears. He wasn’t coming back. None of them were. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists as she hardened herself with the fact of reality. Her thoughts were much clearer now. They’re not coming back.
Grief flooded her thoughts, which slowly gave way to confused anger. Anger directed at herself. She had to move on. Nothing would ever change what happened. She would literally break down if she had to think about them every single day for the rest of her life. The fury rose in her heart, she bit her lip so hard it hurt. Did I do it? Are they gone because of me? Rage pulsed through her body; she could feel the blood rise to her face. She didn’t understand. Balling her fist, she drew her arm back and with a deeply pained yell, drove her hand forward and struck the road. It really was me, wasn’t it? I really did it.
Pain shot up her arm and tingled throughout her body. Blood appeared on her skinned knuckles. She panted heavily and forced herself to calm down. Hitting something had worked; it got her mind off of everything and the pain seemed to absorb her grief and anger. She didn’t know what hurt the most; her hand or her heart. She just didn’t understand.
I’m alone…And it’s my own fault, isn’t it? Her breathing came in a slow, deep pattern. Am I a criminal then? She hugged herself hard. I killed them.
Once again she steeled herself against the emotions that fought to show themselves; once again she tried on the expressionless mask for size. She decided it was better not to think about it. Shaking everything off, she narrowed her eyes, trying to get a glimpse through the white nothingness that lay before her. A small convenience store stood no more than one hundred yards in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat, one part of her was excited over the fact that she found shelter; the other part was reluctant to show her face anywhere.
The girl glanced behind her; a tsunami of swirling snow and sleet rose above her head. Shivering violently, she turned around and hurried for the small building. It bore the likeness of an old log cabin, the sign above the door welcomed customers to the Bear’s Lair gift shop. The girl reached the entry and desperately pushed the door open. A rush of warmth flowed over her limbs and torso; the heat emanating from the blaze in the fireplace seemed to instantly thaw her frozen face.
She relaxed at the sensation of the heat on her frozen skin. She moved closer to the flames and sat in a hardwood chair to bask in the fire’s warming light. After a few lazy moments of drifting in and out of sleep, she peeled off her brother’s wet gray jacket and tossed it to the bare tile floor below her. Her left hand and arm started to dully throb. The girl groaned softly at the pain and lifted her arm to examine the abrasions and bruises that she was too upset to care about earlier.
Her knuckles on her left hand were skinless and oozing from where she had literally grinded the top of her fist into the loose gravel; what was left of the skin around it was turning a shade of purplish-blue. She grimaced as she attempted to flex her hand and her wrist. Her wrist was beginning to swell and ache. She gritted her teeth and favored her arm. I must have broken something.
Making sure she didn’t jar her wrist or fingers, she carefully pulled the wet jacket back over her head and tucked her injured arm into the pocket in front. Looking up around the small shop, she scanned for any people that may have been attending the front counter. She hadn’t even bothered to check to see if the store was occupied when she first stumbled in. Nobody could be seen behind the counter or even in the aisles. The young girl shrugged the oversized jacket back onto her shoulders and started toward the front of the store.
A lukewarm hotdog with onions and mustard piled on it sat by the cash register; a chili-smeared napkin had been tossed next to it. The girl’s gaze fell to a partially melted slushie. She shivered at the thought of ingesting anything below room temperature on a night like this. She peeked around the corner and saw no one. Convinced that whoever was attending the store was elsewhere, she sighed and turned to observe the small shop that was built to accommodate passing travelers.
Her stomach growled provocatively as her eyes settled on an aisle that was stocked with chips and canned food. She shook her head as if the gesture would silence her tummy. She didn’t have any money with her, nothing at all. She quickly looked away from the food and inspected the rest of the store. Her arm was hurting more than ever and she found it hard to concentrate on anything but. By moving it around, the abrasions had begun to bleed again. She needed to get it wrapped up and find something to brace her wrist.
She pivoted and looked at the aisle across from her. Medical supplies like gauze, bandages, antibacterial cream, and temporary splints lined the shelves. She stared at them for a moment, looked toward the counter, than looked back. There was no question about it; she needed the med supplies and food. She swallowed hard and glanced over her shoulder at the food. I can’t just take it; I don’t have the money to buy it. That wouldn’t be right…
She closed her eyes and waited for a fierce wave of nausea to pass. The lack of food mixed with the pain was starting to make her sick. She needed to take care of her arm, but she couldn’t do that without the proper supplies. She opened her eyes and looked down at her jacket. Blood was now starting to seep through the thick fabric. She looked back up at the ceiling as the urge to vomit suddenly hit her full force.
She sighed, resigning to her instinct to survive. Nobody would notice anything had been taken; even if they did, they could just buy two brand-new things for every one thing missing. She glimpsed at the counter again. Content that no one was near; she snatched a small backpack off of a display rack and unzipped it. Spurred on by the pain in her arm and the emptiness in her stomach, she started tossing various snacks and drinks into the sack. After she left the food aisle and headed to the med supplies, she fought back the onslaught of accusations her conscience threw at her.
I’m starving, this is okay. I really need this food and stuff for my hand and arm. She struggled to reassure herself that it wasn’t wrong. She knew for sure that if she waited around for the store owner that he would toss her out and refuse to give her any medical treatment or nourishment. She pictured an employee getting mad that she was in the store in the first place and kicking her back out into the harsh weather. Her eyebrows furrowed at the thought. I didn’t do anything wrong, I don’t deserve to be turned away. Anger rose in her as she shoved the guilt away.
Just as she stuffed the pack to the brim and pulled the zipper shut, a door shutting in the back alerted her to the presence of another person. The girl’s stomach did a flip. That would be the owner. She heaved the bag over her shoulder with her good arm. She hurried as quietly as she could out the front door, bolting when she saw the cashier return to his seat behind the counter. She ran until the building was nothing but a small glowing dot in the distance. She stopped and looked back. Heat rose to her face as she realized what she had just gotten away with. She again pushed the guilt away with anger toward the owner on what he might’ve done if he had seen her. She watched the distant store vanish in a flurry of snow. Her anger was replaced with temporary relief. She’d done it.
…And it hadn’t felt so bad.



The girl leaned comfortably against the edge of the doorway, casually observing the interior of the building. She was twelve now, almost a teenager. She had celebrated her birthday alone; to her it was more of a day of sorrow that was hard to endure. The girl sighed softly and stared at her feet. Only months had passed, yet it felt like years. The awful memories of the disaster had crashed back stronger than a tidal wave a few days after she had taken the food from the store. After three months, they still never stopped plaguing her sleep and penetrating her dreams. She had no control over the intense nightmares, often finding her clothes soaked with sweat or waking up screaming in terror; the dreams constantly reminding her that it was her fault.
The girl lifted her gaze, surveying the family who had just walked in. They had no idea who she was, or what she was about to do. She focused her eyes on a little boy trailing behind his mother. His attention was directed toward a beetle attempting to traverse safely across the tile floor. Her heart was momentarily lifted at the sight of the toddler; but for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to smile. The kid’s mother hastily took his hand and shot a suspicious look at the girl. Her spirit felt like it had been shot down by that glare of silent accusation. But she knew she deserved it. In spite, she frowned and glowered boldly. She straightened and watched the family file out the door after they purchased their goods. They don’t know what I endure, she thought harshly. And they have no business knowing, either.
She scowled and looked down at her watch that she had recently acquired. She had traveled a long way since that one night. She was somewhere in southwest Iowa in a town called Sidney, from what she gathered from the chatter between customers. Every day she walked, not sure of where she would go, only sure that she wanted to be as far away from her home as possible. She somehow managed to avoid the watchful eye of policemen wondering why she was so dirty and worn and to run from those who were curious as to why she wasn’t in school.
Many times during the long days she thought about her home in Minnesota. She had always been intrigued with fire, with its numerous colors and hues dancing together, never missing a beat. She appreciated its beauty even from an early age. Her fascination, however, had abruptly ceased when the day came that the flames she had admired for so long turned on her. Recollections of running from the blazes that snatched at her body mercilessly pounded on her recent dreams. Her beloved flames had consumed her home and her family that horrible day three months ago.
The girl came back to the present as a group of teens pushed their way through the doorway with their sacks full of pop and snacks. She watched them as they piled into a broken-down car and drove away. Turning, she scanned the empty room in front of her. Footsteps indicated that the clerk was in the back room, attending to things other than the checkout counter. An uneasy smile crept onto her face. It was the first time she’d attempted to lift some money.
She glanced at the security camera constantly sweeping its ever-watchful stare across the area. She paused at a rack that held breath mints and candy, watching the camera out of the corner of her eye. Right when it had her out of its sights, she jumped over the counter and waited patiently for it to pass over again. Counting to eight seconds under her breath, she reached up to the cash register precisely when she calculated that the camera would be turned away. She continued counting as she fumbled for the button to release the drawer and yanked her hand back as the camera rotated back toward her. Mentally kicking herself for taking up so much time, she finally hit the release button, a pang of excitement rushing over her as she grasped the bills in her right hand.
Without warning, an icy cold hand grasped the girl’s shoulder, causing her to gasp and jerk back. A tiny yelp escaped from her lips as she saw a narrow-eyed young man standing directly above her, scowling at the fistful of money she had snatched out of the register. She stared at him with wide eyes, unsure of what to do next. A rush of guilt overcame the boldness in her as she switched her gaze to the money in her hand, than back to the man. The girl tensed all of her muscles in order to fight the growing bulge in her throat that threatened to free a flood of tears. She could feel blood pounding through her head with every shaky breath she took. She’d been caught.
She hastily dropped the money from her hand, involuntary trembles coursing through her entire body. She watched the man as his gaze softened when he saw how afraid she was. She swallowed hard and squeezed her eyes shut. What do I do now? The man cleared his throat. “What’s your name, kiddo?”
The girl opened her eyes in surprise at the softness in the man’s voice. She quickly shrugged and looked at a chewed up piece of gum on the floor. “D-Dakota,” Her voice quivered. “Dakota O’Neill.” Her heart jumped into her throat when she realized that she probably shouldn’t have given her name.
“Why are you here, Dakota?” The young man put a finger under her chin and lifted it up to meet his gaze. “Don’t you have any money?”
Dakota blinked and shook her head slowly. She wasn’t planning on telling him her whole story. She didn’t want any sympathy, or help. She narrowed her eyes. She was determined to survive…alone.
The man, whose name tag said Sam, thoughtfully watched Dakota for a moment. Sam sighed and kneaded his forehead with his free hand. Brown hair fell out of his hat in a mess of curls. “Do you have any family around? Do you know your phone number, your address…anything?”
She said nothing and stared at the wall behind him. Why do you care?
The wailing of sirens sounded outside of the building and grew louder. Dakota started at the noise and shot a frantic look at Sam. She craned her neck to try to see above the counter, but sunk back to the floor with a sick feeling in her stomach.
Sam got to his feet and pulled her up by the arm, giving her no choice but to face the policemen. With a firm hold on her arm, Sam guided her to the door. “I pressed the silent alarm when I heard the register pop open. I had no idea it would be a girl as tiny as you. I don’t know what they’ll do with you; chances are they’ll see that you make it safely home and give you a court date. I doubt you’re getting off the hook, though; whether you’re grounded by your parents or jailed by the law.”
Dakota’s stomach churned at the words, and she fought back tears. What am I going to do? What’s going to happen to me? She watched the policeman and his huge German Shepherd exit the car. I was fine by myself, I didn’t hurt anyone… She gulped at the size of the German Shepherd. What are they gonna do to me?
Sam pushed the door open and presented Dakota to the policeman. “Good afternoon, officer.”
The officer nodded in greeting. “What can I do for you today, sir?”
Sam released Dakota’s arm and motioned for the officer to come. He looked at Dakota. “Stay here where I can see you.” Dakota nodded and crossed her arms tightly against her abdomen.
The two walked a few feet away and spoke in hushed tones. Several times, Sam pointed and Dakota and nodded or shook his head. Dakota quietly watched them, her gaze falling to the dog standing faithfully beside the policeman more than once. The massive dog stared at her with dark eyes. His muscles flexed in his powerful legs, as if he were about to pounce on her. Dakota was almost afraid to move.
But she didn’t let that stop her.
She inched along the wall and peered around the corner of the building, seeing a forest only twenty yards away. Adrenaline burst into her system. She turned her head back to the men, who were partially turned away from her.. She took a deep breath. I can do this. She looked back at the dog, who still had her in his gaze. Taking silent steps, she casually crept around the corner and made her way along the building.
So far, so good… She was almost to the end of the store now. She quickened her pace and lengthened her strides, being as noiseless as possible. The dog must’ve thought she was just another person, and not a criminal. Relief flooded over her and glee threw a smile on her face as she raised her pace to a jog, then to a full-out run. The wind whipped her long, almost-white hair from her face, her wavy tresses flying like a banner behind her. Freedom was only a few steps ahead.
Dakota’s stomach squeezed tight when she heard surprised shouts and a bark from behind her. Suddenly terrified, she pounded her legs harder, trying to urge her muscles to carry her faster. She was so close to the trees; she couldn’t get caught now! Dakota dared once to look back, and immediately regretted it. The huge German Shepherd had just turned the corner of the building and was followed by the policeman. Dakota kicked the speed up a notch, imagining herself as a blur zipping across the field to her safety.
With a loud grunt, Dakota leapt into the brush and rolled to a stop on the other side. She blinked to give her eyes some adjustment to the darkness and pushed herself to her feet; she couldn’t stop. She gasped for air as she sprinted through the trees. Flinching at every shout and bark made behind her, she didn’t bother to be quiet. Fear spurred her to go faster. A groan escaped from her lips as a searing pain shot through her side. She couldn’t breathe without the pain reeling through her lungs, and with every wheezing breath she took, her speed decreased. She closed her eyes for a second, wondering if she would’ve been better off staying where she was, safe from the wrath of the policeman. Now she was being pursued by a dog that may kill her if he ever caught up. She wished she’d thought of that before she had taken off.
She suddenly caught her foot on a rock, causing her to pitch forward to the ground. Her head reeled with confusion as she tumbled down a rock-strewn slope. Pain registered in her left lower ribs as she hit something dense with a degree of momentum, causing her to cry out pitifully. After what felt like too long, she rolled to a stop on flat ground.
Unable to move, she lay there silently for what seemed like an eternity, not bothering to fight the tears back anymore. It hurt, and right then she didn’t care about what anyone thought of her crying. With a short, desperate gasp, she struggled to keep herself calm. She actually wanted the policeman to find her now. She was tired, in pain. She thought back to that night when it was snowing…when there seemed to be no hope. All she wanted then was relief, rest.
Why can’t my life go back to normal? I was safe. She closed her eyes slowly and rested her cheek on the ground. One last tear rolled off of the tip of her nose and into the dirt below. She felt her conscious mind drifting away from her body. I want my family back…