SIX (34 page)

“HELP!” I screech and power forward.

The vehicle seems to be going slow enough, surely I can wave it down and be rescued.

“HELP!” My voice is hoarse, but my legs keep moving.

When the vehicle starts to slow, I start crying so hard, I’m blinded. It doesn’t stop my journey, though. I run, waving my arms wildly, until my bloody, cut-up feet slap the warm pavement.

“HELP!”

The screeching of tires signifies the driver saw me. They’ll stop for me and save me. They’ll help me—

THUD
.

Metal slams into me from the side with the force of a speeding train. Bones crack and pop in my body like a symphony of hollow drums. I don’t know which way is up until my head slams painfully against the pavement with a crack that resonates inside my skull.

Then, I’m staring up.

Bright stars glitter in the sky as something warm pulsates from the side of my head, soaking the pavement beneath me. I haven’t seen the sky in four years. It’s bewitching, beautiful, and sparse.

I try to speak when an older woman with greying hair shouts for me to hold on.

But I can’t hold on.

The stars dim, the sky darkening and filling the void around me.

Her features fade.

And darkness steals me this time.

Hang in there, Macy. I’m coming back for you.