Creature of Unknown Origin

26

“I don’t. But I do think it’s your best shot. Please…” Spencer leaned over me and pushed

the truck door open, urging me out of the cab. “I know you have no reason to trust me, but I really

need you to right now.”

“Tell me what you’re going to do,” I begged. Dread sat like a lump in my throat the longer

Spencer avoided my eyes, and the silence dragged on with nothing but the hum of the engine to

fill it. I nodded solemnly. “Take care, Spence.”

“You too, Av. Stay safe.”

I didn’t wait for Spencer to drive away before I melted into the woods. I had every intention

of not looking back, but the cram ping in my stomach and the boil of my blood ensured I didn’t get

far enough away from the road. They left me doubled over until I succumbed to the heat weaving

its way through my blood. I couldn’t let Spencer sacrifice himself for me, especially if these p eople

wouldn’t stop searching for me. The resolution became a driving force until the thudding of my

footfalls and the pounding of my heart were all I heard as my mind crackled, pawing and scratching

at the block in my memory.