Dawn approaches, birds chirping and the rustling of trees. For a moment, I think it's a perfectly normal day until everything rushes back; the procession, the mayor, the talk, the realisation that I might not ever see Mama and Noah ever again. Groaning, I crawl out of bed and clamber downstairs. Noah lies at the table, his eyes puffy from crying last night. Once I arrived home, I saw him sobbing on the couch. Honestly, I don't blame him. Inside, I want to break down but I have to stay strong for Noah. There is an awkward silence that follows. I have nothing to say. Finally, he breaks the silence.
"Scar," he mumbles, "I like you."
I gasp. Secretly, I've always liked him as well. Oh shoot.
"I like you too," I whisper back, "I thought I was super weird since we are basically brothers and sisters."
Heat rushes to my face, my cheeks burning. He moves towards me and I move towards him and I close my eyes... to hear a deafening bang. Spinning around I'm surrounded by five guards.
"Officers, what are you doing?" I ask, raising my hands.
"Take your supplies. You're going into the woods now."
"What?" I cry.
"NOW!" they all shout.
Confused, I race upstairs to my bedroom. I thought I was leaving way later. This could be the last time I ever see my bedroom, this house. Taking one last look, I sigh and take my time down. I visit the living room and of course Mama is still there. She's oblivious to what is happening. Pecking her on the cheek, I hug her, fat tears rolling down my cheeks.
"Girl, hurry up!" shouted one of the officers.
I draw away from Mama and go up to Noah. He wipes away my tears with his thumb , leans down and kisses me. I stand frozen but then I begin to kiss him back. His lips are soft and warm and I run my fingers through his hair. Shivers run down my spine as our kiss grows deeper. Melting, I want to stay here forever but I can't. Breaking away, I peer intently at him.
"Noah, take care of yourself," I say, "do all the jobs I used to do. I really hope things were different."
He doesn't answer and stares at me. I walk back towards the police, my backpack slung over my shoulder. Inside are the essentials I need. Three water bottles, cans of food, a dagger, some matches, my own water purifier, a compass and a mini first aid kit. One last glimpse of Noah and then he was gone.