"Push higher, mama!"

“Of course, sweetheart!”

     Every Saturday those same words were said and each time they were said I was the happiest little girl in the world. My dad would stand in front of me laughing with content as I giggled getting pushed higher and higher. My mom would smile as her soft hands pushed against my back.

     This was all I knew. This was all I wanted. This was the only thing I loved; and my parents made that happen for me. They would do anything for me. No matter how much I whined and cried and even stomped my feet, they were always there to put a smile on my face. Maybe I didn't give them all of the kisses and thank yous that they deserved, and maybe I was a bit of a spoiled brat...but with the content and happy looks they always gave me, I didn't care if I was the worst daughter in the world. I was living the life, it was great. I was in heaven and my young mind thought nothing could break my happiness...until...disaster graced us with its presence one fateful day...

“Sarah Love!”

“Here!”

     I was in class when it happened. It was only morning. 8:30 A.M. to be exact. The teacher was just about done with the attendance when something bright and fascinating appeared. I didn't know what it was at the time nor did I care. It was round and a pretty purple. The thing was very huge and shooting downward really fast. I didn't think that it could be a danger to our lives. What did I care? I was happy and enjoying the light show. My teacher gasped in horror behind me. It made me look back in curiosity. I shrugged as her hand slowly covered her mouth before turning back to the window. I didn't think that my teacher was afraid for our lives, for her life, for the lives of her children. I didn't even think that it was such a big deal. I mean it's only a big ball of light. What harm could it do? Only a six year old would think that...and I regretted what my thoughts were when the ground shook and everything went black.

     I didn't know exactly when I woke up or exactly how I got to my home, but I was there laying on my front porch. Bruises and bloody cuts littered my body and from what I smelled fires were burning. My eyes were blurry when I stood on wobbly painful legs. I realized that my sandals felt wet and my fingernails throbbed in pain. The blurriness faded in time as I stood there. Though I knew I could see, I wished I couldn't. What I saw had me on my knees once again. Salty warm tears slid down my cheeks slowly as I looked around at the burning houses and dead burning bodies. The smell was foul and the sky was black. Jumping to my feet, I turned on my heels and began banging on my door thanking God that it wasn't burning.

     My little fists slammed against the door until I tried the doorknob finding it unlocked. I blinked in confusion before tears once again rushed down my face, before I ran in at full speed looking for my parents. There were no sign of them. I ran into the kitchen where my mom would spend most of her time. Nothing was different but a broken window and an overturned chair. My mom wasn't in there either. Shaking my head in disbelief, I ran to the family room where I would always see my dad laughing at something on the TV. No one was present in that room either.

     I checked the basement, the downstairs closets and bathroom; not a soul could be found. Not giving up, I ran up the stairs checking all the rooms but one; my parents' room. I was hesitant at first; not wanting to see if they were in there or not. Thoughts ran through my mind. Were they dead? Were they hurt? Were they there waiting for me with their smiling faces as always? Were they...even in there?

     I gave myself courage and stepped into the room...

     No one was there. Not a soul; which had me more than just a little worried. If my parents weren't there where were they? Falling to my knees, I cried. I cried harder than I’d ever cried before. I didn't remember crying at all at such a young age. I was always happy and smiling and nothing could get me down. Maybe often I pouted for a toy or maybe some ice cream but nothing more. What did I do to deserve this? Those words ran through my head, as I left my big, cold, lonely house in search of my parents.

     Four maybe five days passed; I could never remember which. I discarded my sandals long ago because of the blood. The blood wasn't mine, I knew that. I was just wondering who it belonged to. Walking bare foot on the ruins I used to call my city was a bit hard at first, but I managed. I saw a lot of dead bodies; some were even kids my age. I cried of course, but I kept on moving. I needed to find my parents. I had to find my parents. That was the only thing that kept me from shutting down. It was almost evening when I came across a huge building. It was still intact; maybe a crack here and there but other than that it stood tall.

     I wandered inside knowing that this building was going to be my shelter for the night. I didn't see anyone and that had me confused for only half a minute. After days of wandering however, not seeing any life was growing very old. I cried that night like I did every night; falling into a nightmarish sleep. My parents would stand there smiling, pushing me on my favorite swing, at my favorite park, and on my favorite day. That was like hell on earth. They were suppose to be happy memories, but they only caused me grief and bitterness. I didn't know what to do and I didn't know how I should do it after so long, so...I left my home. My wonderful city that was now a graveyard for the dead; including my dead parents that I long ago stopped searching for.

     The world was almost like a desert; the grass died and somehow turned to sand. Mountains and hills were crumbling before my very eyes and the animals. There were a lot of them already dead, but the ones that survived died moaning in despair...hunger... and thirst...

     I mourned for them and kept moving. Though I stopped searching for my parents months before, I didn't stop thinking about them. I thought...maybe they left to find food for me? Or at least left from the city to get me that toy I always wanted? You know they were sold out everywhere in my city. Wishful thinking I knew, but I hoped that maybe it'll come true. Being in this type of world would be alright if they were here with me.


     I didn't think when I was a child; I left my home without food or water. I wondered around for days without water before I found drying ponds or rivers in the dying forests drinking from them with haste. But months passed without food and I grew scrawny and frail. I got to the point that I had no choice but to dine on the carcasses of animals that probably had diseases running all through them. Maggots and flies littered the bodies but I ate away going around them. I threw up many times but I was still alive and that's what mattered.

Four years passed...

     All those years of going nowhere. I found cities, but no people. I found real food and feasted upon that before staying a night or two to gather up supplies for myself. As the years passed I read books that were starting to mold to teach myself to read. I read calenders to keep up with the dates and days of the week.

     I learned how to survive because it was what my parents would have wanted. I kept up with my education because it was what my parents would have been proud of. I was a spoiled rotten child and always didn't mind my parents. But in this book I read, it stated that you never know what you have until you've lost it. A few tears sprung from my eyes, but I wiped them away quickly; that was the last time I would shed a tear for anything. I needed to do something. Anything for them to look down on me smiling with happiness; and crying was one of the things they did not like.

     The same routine would happen every day I was out there; find a city and leave days later with food and water in hand. Learning became easy gradually and surviving became like a walk in the park. I didn't see human life for years; only decayed corpses. They were part of the ruins of the city now so there was nothing to fear I always told myself. With time, I grew to ignore them and move on.

     My dreams didn't stop however. Every night was something a little different. The Saturdays at the park. Days at school with my friends. Getting ice cream with my dad. Playing with the neighbor's kids. Playing hand games with my mom. It went on from there. Day by day I wondered what am I going to dream tonight? Something good but something that I wished I didn't remember.

     My 10th birthday came on February 28th, 2017. That day I was in California looking for a cake good enough to celebrate with; just like my other three birthday’s spent alone in this world. As the day processed, I felt weary. Something was out there. I didn't know what or where it was but it was close...it was life. I didn't know how I knew this and I didn't care. I only felt relief surge though me as I abandoned my search for a ridiculous cake and set out for an even better present.

     I walked around the city for hours and still found nothing but burnt land. I was saddened and was beginning to give up when I stumbled upon something...it was the most beautiful thing in the world; a snow white wolf stood on the tallest rock in the city staring in the distance as if the world was his own. I could do nothing but stare at the wonderful creature as the wind blew bits of its shedding fur into the horizon.

     I wanted to hug it; embrace it. Make sure that it was real. I didn't want it to go. I wanted it to stay with me and never leave. I was so lonely! My eyes widened an inch when its nose sniffed the dead air. When its sharp bright yellow eyes blinked...when its form...turned to me...

     Its ears flickered and its eyes shone in confusion. It felt like an eternity before any of us could move. The creature stepped forward causing me to step back. I was happy it was living but I was also afraid. One of the books I read was about three pigs and a wolf. He blew their houses down so he could eat them. The last pages were torn out before I could get to the ending so I didn't exactly know if the three pigs were eaten or not; I didn't want to be the wolf's pig.

     It took another step but this time I didn't step back. I was frozen to the spot I knew would be the last ground I stood on...or...so I thought. It jumped off the rock running away from our tense air. I blinked in confusion. It was running away but slowly. However, it stopped as it got near the end of the road looking back at me as if telling me to follow. I didn't know why but my feet moved on its own accord and I found myself following the creature through side streets and neighborhoods. I followed until we came upon a house...

     It stood on the porch staring expectantly. I didn't know what to do; it wanted me to do something but at that time I was clueless.

“Hey boy, what are you up to?”

     I flinched. It was a voice; a human's voice. My heart pounded against my rib cage. Footsteps could be heard and I was anxious to know who they belonged to. Big brown dirty combat boots stepped from inside the wide door. My eyes traveled up to army pants, vest, and finally a face. He was male and very rough looking. He stared at me as if I were an illusion; eyes looking me up and down.

“Am I dreaming or is that a kid standing right there, Ace,” he said only above a whisper to the white wolf.

     The wolf blinked at him before looking back at me. He rubbed his stubby chin tapping his foot on the old wooden porch. He walked off the porch almost gracefully. Almost like an angel of some sort. I read stories of angels, but they were usually in heaven. He stopped three feet in front of me looking down at my little form.

“Are you really real or is this my imagination?”

     I gulped; he seemed a lot bigger up close. I nodded staring up into his beautiful blue eyes. He raised an eyebrow staring at me with almost little interest. He sighed scratching his head as if he decided something before motioning me to follow him into the abandoned house. I gulped again; my parents always told me not to talk to strangers, but this situation was different; very different. I walked in with some reluctance but it eased away as I stepped into the dusty house.

     Maybe an hour or so later, I found myself drinking water and eating bread. I was beyond nervous as he stared me down. The wolf laid at the door sleeping silently as the sun went down behind the tall buildings in the city. After I was done eating I placed my hands in my lap staring at him with the same intensity. I was really surprised. Another human being was sitting there with me; alive and healthy. I felt myself brighten. No way did I believe there was more people out there. I was so happy, I almost started humming.


“How old are you, kid?” he suddenly asked.

     I blinked trying to find my voice. I hadn't talked for years so I tried to form the words in my mouth. Instead of talking however, I just held up both of my hands showing my proper age. He stared in awe before looking into my eyes with concern. He started to rub his chin once again as if thinking before saying, “'You were six...”

     His eyes grew dark and his form stiff. I was confused but said nothing; there was nothing I could say. I knew he was thinking about how I survived that whole time or where were my parents at, though he said nothing. That night he told me to stay and I did. I slept with the big wolf known as Ace not really thinking about what I was going to be asked the next morning...

     I was on my way out into the city to find food and water and he...he was right there with me. I didn't ask him why and I didn't want to. To have another human being with me was all I ever wanted. That whole day he was right there by my side and I said nothing, though he didn't either. He was much better at finding the supplies he needed to travel. I didn't complain. He was finding things for me as well. As the end of the day came upon us, I was sad; I didn't want him to go. However I didn't want to invade. My parents always told me not to bother people or they won't like your company. I sighed turning to the road that led out the city. I got ready to say my goodbyes to the only human being I knew was still alive until he asked me something I wanted to hear that whole day...

“I can't let you go back out there alone, kid. Why don't you travel with me and Ace? We would sure love your company.”

     I didn't hesitate to nod with all the happiness in the world. That caused him to smile gently. It was the first time I saw him smile so I was a bit shocked. It was such a beautiful white smile. All his teeth were there and not a stain on them. I grew in love with his smile after that day...


Days...Months...Years passed...

     My days were spent with Adam; my adopted big brother. Him and Ace were always there watching over me and for that I was happy. We stayed in cities longer than I was used too for the sake of me. I always told him I was fine and used to leaving after a day or two. He was having none of it. He said that I was too skinny and sickly looking. He said I needed rest more than him and Ace and that I needed to fatten up a little. Each time I protested and each time I was met with defeat.

     We went to towns and small villages, the biggest cities and through a bunch of forests. We basically traveled the whole USA before we were met with the ocean. So blue and clear. It was as if nothing could touch it. I looked up to Adam for guidance. Something I seemed to grow a habit of doing when we were a bit stumped. Of course he scratched his stubby chin and tapped his rusty boot; something I'd grown to love. He did that for about five minutes before sighing and looking down at Ace and I.


“I guess we'll have to leave the US, huh kid?”

     I blinked in confusion before looking back at the beautiful water. He sighed again walking back to the city with Ace right with him. I read about the water and how people traveled across it so I was really confused as to how we were going to get a boat. Blinking at the ocean for a few seconds longer I walked away quickly after Adam.

“How are we going to get over the ocean?” I finally asked when night started to approach.

     We sat inside a small corner store where the most food and water were supplied. A toy laid by my side; it was a little handmade doll. Adam had his habits as well. We would split up. Ace and I had to look for the shelter and he the food. Every time we met back up he had a little toy for me to play with. At first I refused them. Thinking I was too mature for stupid toys. He scolded me, telling me that I need to act my age and play like all little kids should. I protested and lost to his charm and scoldings as always.

“Where there is an ocean, there is a boat. All we needed to do is find a boat and grab enough food and water to last the trip and we're golden.”

“But what if we run out of food and water and we're still on the boat?”

     He laughed rubbing his chin. It seemed he didn't think of that. Ace laid at the door as he always did. Guarding us from the imaginary intruders. He was a strange wolf indeed. He was strong and stood tall. He always listened to me when I talked and looked as if he understood. When he wasn't by Adam's side he was by my side. Everyday I thanked the proud creature for leading me to Adam. He would lick me telling me it was no problem and I would always giggle from the wetness. At that time I never asked how Ace and Adam met. Or how Adam survived. If he had children or a wife. So many questions needed to be answered, but I didn't want to ask them. He didn't look at me expecting questions either because he never asked his own. Our relationship was full of empty holes but we were content and that's all that mattered right?


“Well, I believe the fish are still alive and there's always the saltwater,” he laughed as I gave him a look of disgust.

“I read that you get sick from drinking that water,” I almost yelled.

     He laughed once again shaking his head. He always told me to stop reading those books for answers of the world. Some things are better experienced on one's own he would say. I'd just scoff at him and keep reading. He would shake his head at me before giving up.

“Well, we'll have no choice if it comes to that. We'll be alright. I'll take care of you,” he said with a soft smile.

     I blushed as I always did when he smiled. I felt relief from his words and happily played with the rag doll. However, through the night doubt started to approach me. I was leaving the country that my parents were in. I didn't know if they were dead or alive but I lost hope long ago when there were no surviving humans in my city. I kept the fantasy that I didn't look everywhere and that they were out there looking for me. It had been two years since the last time I had a dream of my old life. It had been two years since I sobbed from the lost. I woke up Adam that night and he comforted me. For that, I was so glad I met him. He was always there for me.

     The next morning, I acted as if nothing happened. I went about acting as if I were going on a boat ride and coming right back home. I kept that going through my head as I collected supplies that whole day with Ace. Adam found a great boat for us saying we were leaving the next day. I nodded happily and left gathering up more supplies. He was a little surprised at my energy from the lot of food and bottled water I found. He said nothing though patting my head and telling me to go to sleep.

     But the next day as we boarded the boat, I felt my gut tighten. As the boat swayed farther into the water, I felt lightheaded. When the city became a little speck, I felt nauseous. When all I saw was water, the tears slipped from my eyes unto the water. Adam noticed and tried comforting me like the two nights ago. That time...I didn't feel his comfort; I was very numb.


     Maybe a month or two passed in the big ocean and we were running out of food and water. Ace was changing because he’d started drinking the salt water and I wasn't the only one who’d noticed. After a few more days the food was completely gone and we were left with nothing. Adam was lucky enough to find a fishing rod on the boat so we went fishing. It was kind of hard seeing as we were moving, but he manged. We didn't run out of water thank God, but for some reason, Ace choose the ocean as his drink. He started getting stranger and stranger. Then one day...Ace didn't like the fish we were trying to give him. He started looking mangy and crazed. He wasn't the beautiful creature I grew to love. As night approached, Ace...went wild. He chased us all through the boat and went as far as to even biting Adam.

     Adam screamed in pain as I cried big tears thinking I was next. He grabbed Ace snatching him from his leg and as quickly as possible throwing him into the ocean. Ace tired to swim back to the boat but Adam kept him at bay. Ace grew farther from us as he was getting tired using all his muscles to swim. I cried the whole time knowing that Ace was going to die. No one can survive in water but fish I read. I didn't miss the miserable look on Adam's face. He was the one who was most hurt. Ace was his best friend. To kill someone so close really was heartbreaking...

“It was all my fault. I took him from land. Wolves are not meant to live on water. I should of thought of him more than anything,” he whispered to me hours later.

     My eyes were red and puffy from crying that was far from over. He hugged me close not wanting to let go. I accepted it knowing that he was ready to let his own tears escape. The rest of the trip was filled with sorrow and mourning for our lost, but we could do nothing but move on. The cycle of earth moved so we had to move with it. It was our new way of life.

     Another month passed before we saw an island. Water just a few days ago scarce. Adam decided that we should stop there to look around for food and water; the island was healthy with plant life. We went to the island and Adam was reluctant to let me go off alone but we needed to split up to search both sides of the island. Adam hugged me tight before limping off; leg still hurting from salt water getting into the wound. Seeing him walk away like that...I was worried and feeling dread. Especially after Ace's death but nonetheless, I turned and walked away...

     The island was full of fruit and a family of monkeys. I was so happy to see a living animal that I wanted to hug it but I knew better. From what I read, monkeys could get violent too. I just settled for waving at them cheerfully before walking back to our meet up spot with a bit of a bounce in my step; something that I hadn't felt in a long time.

     On the way I saw bugs and birds and waved at them all not caring if they saw me or not. I found a waterfall with fish running all through it. The island seemed right and a good place to live. I wanted to stay there, but I knew Adam didn't want to stay there longer than he had to. We were going to leave maybe in the next three or four days; only enough for us to rest.

     My hands were full of fruit before I got there. I hummed softly sidestepping a coconut tree. Turning right pass a bolder I came to the meet up spot. I didn't see Adam, though I thought nothing of it and sat by the ocean still humming my made up tune. An hour or two passed and a twinge of worry settled into my chest but I kept on humming. I didn't want to think something was wrong. Adam was brave and nothing ever happened to him. He was unstoppable.

     The sun started moving higher into the sky signifying it was high noon. That's when I felt the worry in my chest spread like a bad cold. I slid my knees to my chest with narrowed eyes. He was taking entirely too long. He was always back before me or a bit after. I was never really worried because Ace was with me. He took care of me. Now, that he was gone...I was alone without Adam.

     The sun started to set. By then I was slightly shaking holding on tightly to my knees. Tears were being held back because I tried to think positive. Maybe he got a bit lost or was building us a shelter for the night. All the possibilities...all the reasons why he wasn't by my side at that moment. I buried my face in my knees when the moon appeared before my eyes. I was giving up hope. He wasn't coming back. He forgot about me...

“Sarah?”

     I snapped my head up ready to scream Adam's name in joy when...it wasn't Adam who called my name. There stood two people. A red haired woman with a bald man. I didn't move an inch; I couldn't. More humans stood before me. What was I suppose to do? They stared at me with shock and what in my eyes looked like...sympathy. I immediately stood taking a step back. I wasn't afraid of them...I was afraid that they were there to tell me something...something bad.

“You are Sarah right?”

     It took me a while to answer but I finally nodded not trusting my own voice. The woman looked at the man with what looked like in between joy and sadness. I knew something was wrong after that. I knew something happened to Adam. I didn't know why I wasn't happy to see other humans...I didn't even care that they were there. I wanted to see Adam. That was all I wanted.

“Oh Aaron, he was right,” the woman said grabbing the man's arm.

     The man sighed shaking his head. He placed a hand on the woman's hand before walking forward. I took a step back. I wanted them to go away. I wanted Adam to replace them with his warm gentle smile. The man grew cautious with his steps. My hands covered my mouth. I chanted in my head please let Adam come back, Let this be a dream.

“We would like you to come with us. Something has happened to your dad,” the man spoke slowly.

     I nearly fainted. I knew who they spoke of. He wasn't my dad. He was Adam. He was my friend. The tears refused to spill for unknown reasons. The woman herself had tears in her eyes before walking with stride over to me. I flinched as she fell to her knees wrapping her arms around me. I just stood there. My mind went numb. I looked into the sky looking for a sign. Asking whoever ruled up there did they hate me. No reply came. I wasn't expecting it to either. I closed my eyes expecting to wake up with my family...Ace and Adam...all laughing telling me it was all a bad dream. You're safe. We'll take care of you...

I never woke up...


     The woman's name was Abby. She and who she called Aaron were married and expecting twins. Aaron and Abby were doctors. They told me when I finally calmed down that Adam was attacked by a gorilla. I read that they were almost extinct and very dangerous if it felt threatened. I walked through the jungle to a village full of people. Apparently, they were survivors from a cruise. I paid them all no mind; I just wanted to see Adam. They took me to the hut where Adam was being nursed. I ran up to him burying my head in his chest. He was in pretty bad shape but he still laughed and gave me that warm smile. The married doctors left us alone to talk...something I didn't like all that much.

“Hey, what's with the long face? I'm alright,” Adam said with a raspy tone patting me on the head.

     My frown remained on my face feeling uneasy. Adam was not only beaten and battered...he looked as if he would drop at any second. He had bags under his eyes and his skin was paler than the moon and sweatier than it usually was. I placed my hand on his cheek rubbing it curiously. His eyes made me quickly pull away. They were full of regret and sadness, I almost asked what was wrong. I didn't however, fearing the worst.

“Look Sarah, we found other survivors,” he said suddenly brightening up with that wonderful smile of his.

     I felt a bit at ease looking at his unusual white teeth. I nodded not even caring about anyone besides Adam; he was all that mattered at that moment. His smiled faltered when I didn't seem to be as happy as he seemed. He sighed turning his head from me for a quick moment before forcing a smile to try to cheer me up. That's when I knew...He wasn't telling me everything. We sat in silence for a few minutes before he started talking about...something I never thought I would know.

“I was on my way home when that damn thing hit us. I finally got out of the service. I was on my way home to see my girlfriend...we were to be married. I didn't know what had happened. It was all so weird. So damn fast. Everyone around me died instantly from sudden fires and some type of poison in the air...things dropping from the skies. I wasn't affected by the air but I did get a bad gash. After I was healed, I went out searching for her. I didn't find her; too many dead bodies. I couldn't stay in my hometown any longer so I left in search of more people. I found no one...except Ace. He was nothing but a pup when he crawled into my life. I couldn't let him die, so he was right there with me in my travels. After a year of searching I gave up hope...then you came into my life.”

     I blinked staring in amazement. I never thought I would hear his story. I kept quiet urging him to continue.

“I was really surprised when Ace brought this frail sickly looking girl to me. I thought it was a dream to have finally found a survivor. The survivor being a kid none the less; it was down right ridiculous! But there you were. Right there in all your glory. I couldn't let you go off alone. I had the sudden urge to take care of you. I needed to take care of you. It was what I had to do,” he laughed, “We've gotten so far together huh?”

     I nodded feeling myself tearing up. He was telling me all this as if they were the last words he'd ever say to me. I squeezed his arm tightly not liking the story anymore but he continued to speak.

“We found people,” he said breathless, “People with kids running around and everything. They can take good care of you.”

     My eyes widened holding onto his arm for dear life. He said what I didn't want to hear. He said what I knew was possible but didn't want to believe. I didn't cry or scream. I just stared in horror. He was talking as if he were...dying...

“Adam,” I whispered. He ignored me.

“They can take good care of you,” he repeated in a whisper as if he was reassuring himself.

     I buried my head in his arm hoping he wasn't leaving me. I was praying no chanting for him to stay. I believed he wasn't dying. I'd lost too many people in my life at such a young age. I wasn't ready to lose another. He looked at me with tears in his eyes one finally slipping.

“I love you, you know that kid? You were so much fun,” he whispered down to me.

     I said nothing. I just wanted it all to end. To take me from this hellhole and never look back. I couldn't stand the thought of Adam leaving me. I couldn't stand it! He weakly placed his hand on my head rubbing affectionately. I didn't look up at him. I wanted to bury myself deep inside his arm and stay...if only for a little while longer.

“I think it's time for you to get some sleep kid,” he whispered to me after a long silence.

     I shook my head. I wasn't sleepy; I wasn't leaving him. He sighed calling to Abby. My hand tightened on his arm as he told her to take me away. I whimpered when she said a faint yes. I tensed when her cool hands laid gently on my shoulders.

“Sarah,” she started softly, “We should let Adam get some rest. You could stay at my house for the night.”

     I shook my head frantically. It was Adam's turn to speak.

“Come on don't be ungrateful. These people are nice. Let them take care of you.”

     I snapped. I was so angry and hurt that he wanted to leave me. I glared at him surprising him from speaking any longer.

“I don't want them to take care of me,” I yelled, “I want you to take care of me! You! You! YOU!”

     I panted not caring if anyone heard me. Not caring if I woke sleeping babies or scared anyone. I just wanted Adam to understand that he was the one I wanted in my life; no one else. He frowned at me giving me a look of disgust. My glare fell seeing that look. He was angry with me. He struggled to sit up causing Abby to worry over him but he brushed her off.

“If I knew you were such a spoiled brat,” he grunted, “I would have whipped you into shape a long time ago.”

     My eyes widened at those words.

“I thought you would have learned a long time ago that you can't always have what you want!”

“Don't stress yourself,” Abby said gently but she was ignored.

“Or,” he said tearfully, “Or you can't keep what you have. Did all those years alone teach you nothing? Don't you understand that you have to take what you can get and be grateful? All the death you've seen. The despair you’ve felt. I've never seen such a brave little girl. Always so strong and independent, but please...just this once...be grateful and let someone help you...”

     We stared each other down. He was right. He was so right that I didn't realize tears were rolling down my face. I collapsed pressing my head into his chest sobbing hysterically. He shushed and rubbed my hair trying to calm me. I didn't realize that I was such a bad person to still believe...that I was still in heaven. Though he said I was independent, he was so wrong. I was too dependent on others and needed to let go. I knew that fom the start but didn't want to believe it. What he said wouldn't exactly be memorable to others...but I knew I would remember and it would always sting my heart

“It's alright. Hey, I'm fine! Don't worry about me. You can come and see me in the morning. I'll be here when you come back...I promise...”

     I nodded. I looked up to see his warm smile. My tears came faster seeing that smile. I just wished it wasn't on such a pale Adam. He held me tighter placing a kiss on my forehead before gently pushing me away. I stared at him searching his eyes but they gave away nothing. Knowing I had to do something for him one last time, I walked over to Abby's sad form and we walked out. I didn't miss Abby's silent tears as we got closer to her house. I didn't miss thier low whispers about plans for someone to dig. I didn't even miss the word that fell from their mouths....

Dying...

     That night was the last time I saw Adam's warm smile. I didn't cry when I found out. The night before was spent in mourning and crying for not only Adam...but him and every lost I had before him. I didn't talk much after my little outburst with Adam. I tried leaving the island a few times to set off on a new path, but the adults didn't allow it; they kept a close eye on me. Aaron and Abby treated me as if I were their own, even after the twins were born; I was announced as their big sister. I still remained a mute for a long time. Kids teased me, but I didn't care. I didn't know how to act around kids anymore anyway.

     Twice a day I went to Adam's grave talking to him quietly not caring if I got a reply back. He died from internal bleeding I heard Aaron say. I didn't care what he died from to be honest. I just knew he was dead and there was no way he was coming back to me. As time passed, my visits to his grave grew shorter. Until finally, I stopped going all together except only on special occasions. I started to speak little by little and made friends with a couple of kids my age. I gave up my urge to leave the island and started to grow a life on the isolated land. Abby and Aaron became my new parents with an added bonus; twin brothers.


“It's weird how I think back all those years ago. Maybe because today’s my 30th birthday. Abby and Aaron long retired from the job of being the village doctors as it was passed on to me. This island is my home now as it is yours. You should learn to think of it as such. Your mother and father wouldn't be alive to have you if it weren't for their will to survive. You should thank them.”

“Humph! But Dr. Love, what does that have to do with me,” the beautiful eleven year old grumbled.

“It has a lot to do with you. This is your history as it is mine. Plus, you remind me of myself when I was your age. Always trying to be so grown up.”

The girl groaned before saying, “Fine! I won't try to leave this stupid island anymore, but if it gets too boring I'm outta here!”

     I smiled gently; the smile that I remembered as Adam's.

“Just remember one thing before you go. Your parents are not keeping you from the world. We are just...too far from the world if you know what I mean," I sighed, "Just remember my story and be happy that you have parents to come home to and a life here. There is nothing out there for you. It's just the past.”

     I patted her head earning a slight glare before she was running off to her friends, leaf band aids covering her arms and legs. My smile faltered. This island was my home. It will always be my home. Sunshine almost everyday and happy children playing with each other and their exotic pets. It was like heaven on earth. Though, the people that are still alive and remember the great disaster that fell upon us...think of how our loved ones must have suffered from that poison or whatever it was that fell upon us. Our moms and dads and children that look down on us now...were gone...and there was nothing we could do about it. All we could do was think of them and our past. To just hold them in our arms again would have been better than anything in this world...because this heaven on earth...just isn't enough...and it never will be...

     The wind rushed through my hair like soft fingers. I smiled gently knowing who they belonged to. Of course I will never see them again until my time is up on earth, but until then...I will continue to remember them and think of all the happy times we had. I think...about my heaven...because it was always with them.

        Adam and Ace...Mom and Dad...I miss you...and hopefully...we meet again...




THE END