Page 80 of Us Deadly Few

Feel the memories beneath your feet

Let your legs forge a path

One comprised of dreams and grit

Others may follow

But your road is your own

Even if you may turn

Your destination remains the same

When you step, don’t look back.

If you are to live, make it meaningful

A million stories spiral within you

Let those dreams escape the heart

Be practical

Be crazy

Leave a mark

Do not worry where other paths lead

For your story won’t be the same

You don’t have to be greater

But when you live, be the difference

“Khalani!”

She startled, snapping her notebook shut.

Brock stood a few feet away, watching her as the others gathered their belongings, preparing to continue on the treacherous road.

Khalani’s eyes had stayed open the past few nights, imagining herself running back toward the Desert Spring to rescue Derek.

Before they left, he hugged Khalani tightly and whispered in her ear, “Don’t be afraid. You’ve already survived one underground city. You have everything inside you to do it again.”

In the present, Khalani discreetly wiped away another tear that had leeched out, but she stood, ready to leave.

The faster they reached Hermes, the sooner they could return for Derek.

Winnie fluttered around the abandoned gas station they’d slept in that night, an extra pep in her step that made Khalani’s head spin. The group was busy packing their rucksacks as Winnie moved from person to person, insisting they eat the extra food the Chief had provided when they left the Desert Spring a few days ago.

“Serene, your beautiful blue hair is losing its shine. Make sure you stay hydrated.”

“Adan, your jokes are getting worse. Have some soup.”

“Brock, your muscles are atrophying. Did you eat the beef stew today?”

“Takeshi,pleasestop looking like you’re about to commit murder. It’s bad for the skin.”