Dr. Simmons placed his walkie on the small table beside my bed.
"How are you feeling?" He asked while pulling out a stethoscope out of his coat.
"Better."
My body still ached but I wasn't lying either. Ever since the conversation with Tristan yesterday the heavy feeling in my heart lightened. Though I'm not sure why.
"Are you still lacking appetite?"
I nodded.
"That's okay." He replied in return, hearing my heart beat and organs. "How about sleep? No?" He pursed his lips when he saw my head shake. Grabbing a light, he checked my eyes carefully.
"Until when do I have to leave?" I asked.
Dr. Simmons smiled. "From the moment you feel better."
Relief poured into me.
If locking me up isn't an option, then staying here for a long time should be just as fine.
It should be fine.
No one would find out if I stay here.
"You can stay here until you feel all better." He repeated.
Shuffling was heard outside, however I couldn't see as his body covered my view.
"It looks like a visitor."
My heart soared.
Who could it be? Maybe-
Dr. Simmons moved aside, revealing Sani who seemed to cover the others as well.
I was filled with a sense of relief yet disappointment.
Why did I even think he would come? Besides even if he did, what would I say to him?
He deserved an apology but even I knew it wasn't enough.
It would never be enough considering what I took away from him.
My hands gripped on the sheets at the bitter thought.
"Our check-up is done for today. Make sure you eat all you can for breakfast okay?" Dr. Simmons pat my head gently before heading out the infirmary.
He passed Sani and the girls, giving them a small nod and a smile as he did. They stood there awkwardly when he left.
I shifted uncomfortably when they slowly drew closer.
Once they drew around me, Sani spoke. "We- We came to apologize."
Brye looked like she was about to cry.
"We treated you unfairly and failed to get your side of the story. The way a true friend does."
Dan was unable to meet my eyes.
"So," Sani inhaled sharply, "we'd understand if you don't want to be our friend anymore."
My eyes looked at each one of them while my heart felt I conflicted.
They were only correct to leave me, however their words of apology made me happy. The fact that they wanted to still be friends made no sense but made me feel relief.
I opened my mouth but as I did, the walkie began to chatter.
It was barely loud enough to hear but my ears managed to pick up a few words.
"Sir... think... snowing." It was clearly Snake-eyes speaking.
My heart dropped.
I scrambled onto my feet, reaching desperately for the walkie.
"Snow?" Dan watched as I quickly turned the knob.
"This is base. Please repeat. Over."
Mr.Small asked, confusion in his voice.
My heart pounded on the floor and my stomach lurched.
"This is Head Patrol. I think- I think it's snowing."
The walkie clattered onto the ground.
Images of that cold stormy moment popped into my head.
Addie heading into the storm and disappearing, only to be found underneath a pile of bodies.
The way Dixie shivered on my back.
The trapped bodies in the snow.
"Snow?" Liz asked, her eyebrows furrowed. "I thought it didn't snow anymore?"
"It's not supposed to." Brye responded, equally confused.
There was no way- They-
My feet hit the floor as I left everything behind to run out of the infirmary. I couldn't even hear them calling after me as my heart was pounding too loudly.
This wasn't supposed to happen! How did they find me?!
My eyes frantically looked for the nearest person. A small petite woman became my victim when I grabbed her shirt.
"Where is Michael Small? I need to know!" I asked her desperately.
She looked flustered and afraid.
"Where is he!?"
"Restricted Section!" The woman pointed down the hall with trembling fingers.
I ran once more, not hesitating to push others out of the way as I did. The aching of my body no longer mattered, my brain had only one goal.
Reaching the training room, I took a sharp left and was about to run into the guards when I heard someone speak.
"Where'd he go?"
"I think he went to the gates. It seemed like it was urgent."
"Didn't you hear his walkie? They said it was snowing!"
The other person laughed. "Yeah right."
Making a one-eighty, I pushed my body forward. I ran past the training room, several people sending me odd looks.
Reaching the entrance to the tunnel, the guards saw me coming and prepared to stop me.
I swiftly avoided them and passed by them. They shouted at me, running after me as well.
Please! Please still be there!
Every second was precious. The storm as calm as it seemed, picked up quickly, catching those unaware in its icy winds.
As I approached the entrance, relief filled my being as Mr.Small stood there. He seemed to be waiting for me.
"Snow!" He exclaimed. "What are you doing here?!"
"Sir!" I panted. "They found me! We- We need to leave! We need to leave now!"
Mr. Small looked at my feet, his eyes widening. "What are you doing? You're barefoot!"
"Sir!"
The chattering and murmuring that surrounded us ceased and a hauntingly eerie silence surrounded us.
"Sir." I repeated more calmly. "We need to evacuate. The storm will only get worse, that's when they come. I know it."
He stared into my eyes, unsure of what to do now.
"This is head patrol. I repeat, this is head patrol." The walkie echoed. "The snow appears to be getting thicker. Over."
A lump in my throat appeared. It's started.
Mr. Small continued to look into my eyes then, as if decided, nodded and swiftly pulled out his walkie.
"To all channels. I repeat, to all channels. This is a code red. I repeat, this is a code red. Initiate plan E. Over."
Relief poured over me.
He looked at the group that accompanied him. "We all know what to do, this is a legitimate emergency and evacuation must occur within thirty minutes. Go."
They ran past him and back to the base.
Thirty minutes is too long. They'll be here by then.
A subtle warm hand was placed on my shoulder. Mr. Small smiled, "I won't let anyone die. Trust me."
His smile and warmth reminded me of his brother.
They really do look alike.
I glanced down. "Could you- could you tell everyone to dress warmly?"
He pulled out his walkie again. "This is Michael. Carrie. Please tell everyone to dress warmly." He paused, "Especially the children. Over."
"This is Carrie. Will do. Over."
"Come on, I'm pretty sure your feet are crying for help right now." Before I could react, Mr. Small scooped me into his arms and carried me down the tunnel.
"Sir!" I protested.
"Just until we get you your shoes. Then I'll put you down." He chuckled.
Sure enough, after being picked up, my feet began to ache uncomfortably. I wasn't sure why but the familiar swinging that came with being carried was starting to become one of things I liked feeling. It was always enough to make me feel sleepy.
However, once we reached the end of the tunnel and entrance to the base, the bustling sounds and commotion brought me back to reality.
I felt horrified.
How could I be sleepy when we're all in danger?
"Michael." Grumpy came by, his serious face even grimmer this time. He glanced at me but looked back at Mr. Small, deciding my position was not worth bringing up. "What's going on?"
"The army found us." Michael said with clarity. "How are preparations going?"
Grumpy nodded. "I've ordered the kids to put all the preservatives in their respective bags. I'm headed over to the garden to see what we can bring."
Mr. Small nodded. "Good work. And stay on your feet, we have less than thirty minutes left. I'm going to drop Snow off at the infirmary and see how the others are doing."
We parted and Michael's swift steps grew swifter.
His walkie would crackle as people sent messages and communicated to waste less time.
"Snow!" Arianna spotted us from outside the infirmary, relief all over her face. "I was so worried when the girls said they lost you."
"Someone get her shoes." Michael ordered.
Brye nodded and ran inside.
"All of you go and get ready for evacuation."
They looked at each other uneasily.
"What's going on Michael?" Arianna asked.
"We'll explain everything once everyone's in the safe location." He placed me down as Brye came running. "Now go. Get Snow's things ready as well, I need to speak to her for a few moments."
Sani herded the younger ones, pushing them down the hall. "We'll see you guys later then."
Arianna grinned and waved. "Be careful!" She turned to me, "Will you be okay on your own? I wanna help Lucky pack a few things the medics need."
I nodded.
"Okay, I'll see you later then!" She hobbled into the infirmary.
"Snow," Mr. Small edged closer to me. "I need up to tell me, in detail what happened last time."
My lips pursed but I nodded. "It starts with a light snowfall but quickly begins to grow heavier. Once it becomes a blizzard and you can't see past arms-length, they attack. They start with bombs. Then proceed by charging in with guns."
"How are they able to see past the blizzard?"
"I think their elementalist controls that."
He pursed his lips.
Honestly speaking, I never saw their elementalist. But it was the only reasonable explanation for a snow storm to start when nature itself couldn't produce one anymore. Even so, it was all speculation.
"But I'm not sure if that's true. I wasn't able to see any of that." I lowered my head while clenching my fist. "I'm sorry."
If I had seen it, then our chances of living would be greater. Then all of us would be able to survive.
Mr. Small placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled. "That's what kept you alive Snow. Don't apologize for surviving."
"Uncle!"
I froze.
Mr. Small turned around, revealing a disheveled red headed boy. Our eyes made contact for a second and I quickly looked away. However, his red burning eyes didn't leave my head for a moment.
"What's wrong Parker?"
There was a silence, as his feet shifted.
"Parker. Now's not the time, what's wrong?" Mr. Small asked again, his voice more firm.
"Uh-" Parker stumbled, "as instructed, everyone is already heading towards the evacuation exit. However people are starting to panic, I- I don't know what to tell them."
Mr. Small nodded. "That's normal. Tell them that although they're scared, they have to remain calm to keep their loved ones safe. Personally attend to those who can't handle the pressure. The carriers are informed of who they're carrying right?"
"Yeah, I've personally gone into the men's section and informed them. Lyan has gone into the women's section."
"Good. I'm about to-"
At that moment, the ground shook violently. Parker stumbled and Mr. Small quickly caught him. Followed by the turbulence, an ear-breaking rumble echoed through the halls.
Dread crawled up my insides.
It's started.
Parker stared at us, wide-eyed. "What- What was that?"
Mr. Small quickly straightened his back. "Parker go now! We need to begin to evacuate! Tell Frez to start."
"Already?"
"Go!" Mr. Small barked.
Despite the evident confusion, Parker sprinted down the hall after giving me a glance.
"Go get your things Snow. Help in anyway you can."
I nodded and followed after Parker.
As I did, I bumped into someone who stumbled forwards and fell. Cans of food clattered and fell everywhere. Just as I was about to move on, thinking they would scramble and continue, I glanced down.
My heart sunk.
The arms and hands that held them away from the ground trembled violently. Their eyes were wide and frozen with fear.
For a slip moment, I saw myself.
I saw myself treading in that blizzard, afraid to move. My trembling hands holding Dixie.
I'm not alone this time.
My hands landed on their shoulders, shaking gently. "You need to leave."
They seemed to snap out of their daze but were still frozen. "I- I can't." They stuttered.
I squeezed gently. "You can."
At a slow pace, we collected the cans. Once we were finished, I offered my hand and they took it.
"Thank you." They mumbled and ran off.
All that's left is evacuating.
Before I could step forward the ground shook again and the rumbling continued. Before I could dismiss it, the following sounds caused my heart to go into a frenzy.
Gunshots echoed through out the halls.
They've entered already?
Immediately, I went running down the hall, ensuring every room was empty.
Most of the trainee bedrooms were empty, except for one.
I have to go back.
My feet retraced my steps, leading me back to the infirmary. Outside the doors boxes were filled with medical supplies and needs. Besides the boxes stood two figures, one was clearly angry.
As I drew closer I could hear their conversation.
"I'm not asking you! I'm begging you! Please!" Lucky shouted, tears flowing down her cheeks.
A chill went down my spine.
Arianna only smiled and something I couldn't hear.
Lucky glanced my way and her eyes widened. "Snow!" She ran towards me, desperately grabbing my clothes.
An unsettling feeling grew in me as the gunshots and explosions continued.
"Snow, I don't even care that she won't listen to me! Just please- please convince her to come!"
My heart sank.
My eyes stared at Arianna, whose soft smile seemed softer at the moment. "What is she talking about?"
"Michael needs people."
Lucky snapped. "He needs people older than 50!"
"I'm an exception!" Arianna responded, her voice raising. "He needs me."
I forced down the lump in my throat, gave her my back and crouched. "We're leaving."
"Snow."
"We're leaving."
"I'm staying." She spoke firmly.
I stood up, spinning around to face her. "No you're not. You're coming with us."
"Snow, I've made up my mind." She placed her hands on my shoulders.
"You- you can't."
"Think about it logically," she began with a smile, "I'd only hinder you. Wouldn't the best course of action be to leave me hear to give you time?"
I grit my teeth.
Logically, yes. She would only be in the way and most likely get others killed... but it- it hurt to leave her.
She's right. These are just emotions.
My fists balled up, as I grew frustrated. I spun around, already storming off and leaving her without another word till she called out to me.
"I'll see you later Snow."
I froze, my throat unable to swallow the knot in my throat.
Turning around, I ran to her, wrapping my arms tightly around her.
She laughed at my trembling hands. "Why are you acting like I'm going to die?"
I didn't respond.
She grew quiet. "Take care of them Snow. Especially my Lucky Charm."
I nodded on her shoulder, unable to say anything.
She broke off me, that charming smile that constantly comforted me played on her lips. "I'll see you later Snow."
My head bobbed up and down, despite what I believed.
"Then I'm staying too." Lucky straightened her back.
Arianna rushed to her. "They need you and the others to evacuate. I'll meet you at the safe zone."
Lucky's tears began to fall again, like big drops of rain. "You're lying. What if you die? I can't- I can't imagine a life without you."
"Do you know how much I had to go through to meet you? I'm not going to let you go now." Arianna wiped her tears gently. "I'll be back before you know it."
"I'm not going to leave you." Lucky sobbed.
Arianna stared at her with a troubled expression. She glanced at me helplessly.
Swiftly walking behind Lucky, I raised my hand and hit her on the neck carefully.
Lucky's eyes rolled back as she fell slump into my arms.
"If you knew something like that, you should've done it sooner." Arianna laughed forcefully as she bit back tears.
She helped me hoist Lucky onto my back, after telling me that others would take the boxes.
Arianna's hand raised and gently brushed Lucky's hair out of her face. Her eyes were full of yearning and pain.
"Take care of her okay?" Her voice cracked as tears tickled her eyes. "Take care of yourself too."
I nodded, ignoring the cries of my heart begging me to take her as well.
"I love you Snow."
A thought came to me.
Did I ever tell all of them I loved them?
My family? Addie and August? Dixie? Benji and his mother?
It was love I felt after all. It was a yearning and affection I held for them but never once did I say I loved them before they left this world.
She might leave too and I didn't want her to leave without knowing that I loved her.
A smile stretched across my lips. "I love you too Arianna."