Save The Hero

• Marie Georges, Grade 7
• Short Story
• 2010

My feet crunched as I stepped on the soft, clear, white snow. A thick fog surrounded me. Tall, dark trees were grouped nearby, like soldiers of a large army. I turned around and looked into a pair of deep, brown eyes. They were full of concern. A confusing mix of emotions overwhelmed me and a drop of water formed in the corner of my eye. My mom hugged me tightly and for a moment I hoped she would not let go. She stepped back and took my hand. Her warm, friendly smile comforted me.
‘ I have something to tell you.’ I declared. But she ignored me and hugged me once more. Her lips softly whispered two small words into my ear. ‘Be safe.’ they said, as I engraved them into my memory. Then it was my time to leave.

In misery, I headed towards the large, brick building and the harsh, violent crowd. I looked back at my mother’s immobile silhouette. I stood there, staring, until I was engulfed by the huge mass of people. It felt like drowning. I desperately tried to breathe but I was being pulled down further and further. I was fiercely pushed to the side and caught a last, quick glimpse at my mother. Then she was gone. I pushed forwards and tilted from side to side. All I could see were faces. Tears came drooping down my cheeks.
‘ NO!’ I cried. I gasped and choked. Finally I gave up, my vision blurring.

I climbed into the train and searched for my seat. I sat down opposite a large man wearing a woollen jumper and a pair of glasses. An old-fashioned watch hang around his wrist and his hazelnut eyes stared forward. He didn’t move. He didn’t even look like he was breathing. I felt fear catch up on me. I turned to the window and stared at the snowy platform. My eyes flickered towards the man and I secretly watched him. He didn’t blink.

The train started. It moved on, leaving the station. The speed increased. The train was full but not one person seemed alive. Every face I met was still, motionless. My head spun round and I saw a young lady holding a little baby in her arms. She had calm blue eyes, dark skin and long, thin wavy hair. Her baby cried and she started softly singing. I sighed in relief and stared out the window. A long line of big, snowy, purple mountains and large, white fields stretched in the distance. A shadow. I narrowed my eyes. A tall, thin shadow walked outside far out. It was coming closer at an impossible speed. A door shut. I jumped. The lady and her child was gone. I stood up in panic. All the eyes of the corpses flickered to me. A long, loud piercing scream echoed in the train. My window shattered to pieces and something pushed me to the ground. Two words echoed in my ears. ‘Be safe’.