Weeks (Time part 10)

It had been weeks since I had last seen my Daddy, I missed him so much and worried about him every moment that I was awake, my brain begun to wander thinking of all the things that was likely to have happened to him with those monsters everywhere outside the walls.

The routine helped me, as well as be around other children, I was nervous but I did join in their games and the distraction helped me cope. I shared a house with Shy, the lady that had spoken to me on the rooftops and her boyfriend who she called Skutterz. It was a silly nick name that made no sense to me, but often they would not be around, would be off on some adventure the other side of the gates. This morning was one of those mornings that I woke alone.

I hid rabbit in my bag, partly to protect it and party to protect myself from bullying from the older children if they found that I still slept with a soft toy, and I made myself outside where breakfast was being served.

The community had gathered around and were huddled together eating their oats, I was on the lookout for a boy who I had grown close too over the weeks, A boy a year younger than me, with thick black hair and a scar across his face, who the other children avoided due to his unkempt appearence, a boy named Kai.

I found him sitting by himself, and with a smile, I sat beside him. "Good morning," I said, my voice quieter than usual.

But before he could reply, a couple of older kids walked over, laughing and shoving each other. One of them, a tall boy with a dirty face, spotted Kai and smirked. "Look at this, the little rat and his shadow."

The other kid joined in. "What’s he doing here? Ain’t nobody want him around."

I felt my face flush, but I didn’t back down. "Leave him alone," I said, trying to sound braver than I felt.

One of the boys, a lanky kid with dirty blond hair, smirked. "Or what? You gonna cry to your daddy?"

I clenched my fists. "At least I don’t need to pick on people to feel big."

The other kids laughed, but the bullies weren’t done. One reached out and flicked Kai’s bowl, spilling some of his oats onto the ground.

Kai’s hands tightened around his spoon, but he didn’t say a word.

I stood up. "That was his breakfast!"

The blond boy rolled his eyes. "Whatever. He looks like he eats dirt anyway."

I took a step forward, ready to push back, but Kai tugged at my sleeve. "Leave it," he muttered.

The bullies laughed and wandered off, having lost interest.

Kai let out a breath and glanced at me. "You didn’t have to do that."

"Yes, I did," I said, fuming.

Kai didn’t look at me. He just spoke slowly. "I’m fine."

I wasn’t sure I believed him, but I didn’t push. Instead, I glanced at him. "I found something," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the noise of the others eating. "I want to show you."

I felt a flicker of curiosity. "What is it?"

He didn’t answer, just stood up, glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention. Then he motioned for me to follow. I stood and followed him as we moved to the far end of the settlement, past the kids still laughing and eating, until we reached the farthest part of the fence.

Kai crouched down and pulled back a few branches. And there it was: a hole. It wasn’t big, but it was enough for someone to squeeze through.

My stomach tightened. "Kai, this isn’t safe," I whispered.

He looked at me, his face serious. "I know. But if we ever need to get out—"

Before I could tell him not to even think about it, something grabbed him.

A hand—dirty, grey-skinned, and with long, sharp nails—shot through the gap and latched onto Kai’s wrist.

He screamed, trying to pull away, but the grip was like iron. "Maisie—help!" he gasped.

I panicked, grabbing his other arm. "Hold on, Kai!" I shouted, but the thing on the other side of the fence was too strong. The creature yanked him hard, dragging him toward the hole. His feet slipped and kicked against the dirt as he tried to fight it off, but it was no use.

"Kai!" I cried, trying to pull him back. My fingers brushed his as he was yanked further through, and I felt my heart stop. "No, please!" I begged, but I couldn’t stop it.

Then, in one brutal, terrifying motion, the thing pulled Kai all the way through. He disappeared from my sight with a scream.

"No!" I screamed, scrambling to the hole, reaching through with my hands, but there was nothing there. Nothing. Just empty space.

Behind the fence, I could hear them. The monsters—more of them, their growls growing louder. I felt the hair on my neck stand up.

And then I heard Kai’s voice, faint but still there. "Maisie!" he yelled, but it was too far away. I couldn’t reach him.

My heart was pounding in my chest as I stared at the hole where Kai had just been. I wanted to jump in after him, to drag him back. But it was too late. The monsters were already too close.

What should I do?