This one is called The Outside. It takes place in a futuristic/dystopian-ish setting. I started writing this story when I was in sixth grade, and though I got pretty far, I never finished. I wanted to start off with it because it is one my better ones, with a little more development and plot. I like how it plays out.
Prologue
The frantic mother headed towards the nursery. He’ll be alright, she told herself, over and over again. But how could she believe that when her own child’s life was in danger with every breath she took? Anne’s pounding footsteps echoed loudly over the stone floor, making her wince. Almost there, she thought. Taking a deep breath, she opened the heavy bronze door. The sight made her gasp. Richard stood over the baby, a knife in his hand, inches above the boy’s chest.
“No!” Anne screamed. Summoning all her strength, she tackled Richard and knocked him out with one hard punch to the head. She grabbed Seth out of his crib and ran. Anne was much faster than looks perceived, and she reached the orphanage in no time.
Anne placed Seth on an empty bed and leaned against the wall to catch her breath. In the momentary silence, she closed her eyes and she could almost believe that nothing wrong had ever happened. Then someone called out. “Ma’am.” It was a man’s voice. “Ma’am,” he repeated, louder this time.
Keeping her eyes shut, Anne took a deep breath knowing this was the last time she would be able to call her son her own. She opened her eyes. The man was short with a babyish face and a gentle look in his eyes.
“Yes?” she whispered.
“Ma’am, I am sorry but we do not allow unregistered guests or parents in this orphanage. You may go to the parent support center, but you and your child cannot stay here.
“No.” Anne stepped forward with new gained confidence, her voice bold. “You don’t understand sir. This baby is special. Millions of lives depend on him. Our world is in danger. I cannot explain more, but you have to trust me. Please, I beg you, promise me this: You will find him a good home with a loving family that will raise him like their own. And soon, because there is not much time left for him or I. I need to know that my son will live a better life for my sacrifices. Please-” her voice breaking from desperation.
The manager nodded sincerely; though there was much he didn’t understand, he could sense the truth in her words. He had to protect the baby.
Tears streaming down her cheeks, Anne walked over to where Seth lay calmly despite everything that had just happened. “Seth,” she whispered as she kissed his forehead and held him tightly to her chest. “Be brave, be strong, like I know you are. You’re different, Seth. When the time comes you’ll know what to do. But never forget that I love you. I always have, and I always will. There’s so much I wish I could tell you. I wish I could raise you and watch you grow up. I’m not leaving you forever, Seth. If you remember that I love you, I’ll always be there in your heart, helping you when you need it.”
Seth stared at her with his big green eyes and wavy brown hair. He reached out a chubby hand to her hair and said, “Mama.” A tear traced it’s way down her face. “That’s right,” Anne said. “Don’t ever forget.” Then she placed Seth down in a crib and vanished from the orphanage.
That’s it for the prologue! I hope you enjoyed, and don’t worry, there’s more.
A sneak peak into Chapter one…
Run.
And they ran. They ran all the way down the tower and out, hearts racing, with the guard calling behind them, “Wait! Stop!”
(Picture taken by me, at The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee)