Prologue
“Rhea, I need you to take Romeo.” My mother spoke in a quick, harsh tone, as she filled one of my old school bags.
“Where- What's going on!?” I ask, watching as she hurries around the house, shoving anything and everything into the bag, barely sparring me a glance.
My dads at work, he works as a construction worker. I want him to be home. I'm scared. As my mom is shuffling around the radio blares on,
“ATTENSION!!! TAKE FULL COVER!! DISEASE OUTBREAK! OVER FIVE HUNDRED INFECTED. AROUND THREE HUNDRED DEAD-”
My mother runs over, turning off the radio. Nearly tripping in the process. She hands me the bag. It is heavy and makes my shoulders ache as I put it on.
“Mom, what's happening?” I cry out. Confused as to why she's not telling me anything.
Before I know it, warm, fast tears are flying down my face. She brings my brother next to me, then crouches down in front of us.
I just realized now that her face was tear stained. She smiles and wipes my eyes with her hand.
“I need you to hide in the treehouse with Romeo, okay?” I nod slightly,
“But what about you and dad?” I question, holding her hand to my face. I don’t want to leave her.
“I’m going to wait for him to get home. Once he arrives we’ll join you.” She rubs my hand,
“Stay up there until we arrive. Don’t look down. Just stay up there with Romeo.” Her soft lips kiss my hand, but I can't stop my tears from flowing.
“I don’t want to leave you!” I sob into her arm,
“I know baby, but you have to be a big girl. When we go up we’ll bring the cake and we can sing happy birthday to you.” I pull back slightly, holding up my pinky finger.
“Promise?” Her comforting laugh cuts through the air as she takes my pinky in hers,
“Promise.” I smile and take Romeo's hand as my mother kisses both our cheeks and stands.
“Hurry.” I feel her push us slightly.
I run with Romeo’s hand in mine. The air is crisp and cold with a slight haze. I have to help Romeo up the ladder, since he's too little to do it himself. Once we get up I take off the bag and set in front of the shut door.
I sit with Romeo on the back wall, waiting for mom and dad to arrive.
They never did.
