Cole sat crouched along the narrow corridor. The dim lights flickered overhead, his heartbeat pounding in his ears, sweat prickled his forehead.
After months of tracking, he had finally made it. His home had gone for far too long without power, without light. Ten years since they had been able to run electricity through their village, ten years of darkness.
When the orb that powered their part of the planet had been stolen, he had only been nine years old. He remembered it clearly though. He had been playing jacks with his little brother, a game their father had taught them from the old country, sitting on the porch outside their kitchen door when everything went black and cold. Allen had screamed, so he grabbed his hand, and then felt their way inside where their mother waiting. His mom hugged them tight and sat them down on the carpet square in the living room.
It was understatement to say their lifestyle was not prepared for this. The orb had promised to always deliver the perfect amount of daylight and the perfect amount of moonlight. Their windows, which included a mirror system, were positioned to let the right amount of light into the house to end the need for lamps. Without any threat of storms or power outages the old country had suffered, the need had disappeared. As did the need for flashlights or lanterns. Even fire, apart from gas stoves they used for cooking, was outdated in their society. The old ways were forgotten. That was, until the orb had been stolen.
As Cole and Allen sat on the soft bit of carpet, and their mother lit all the burners on the stove, a knock sounded on the front door. He remembered it so vividly. She walked slowly at first, then changed her pace, something of a decision etched on her face. She opened the door and man in a military suit asked if her name was Ellena Howard. She nodded and the man informed her that her husband, a Mr. Nathan Howard, was being accused of stealing the orb and fleeing the planet. They never saw their father again.
Now, Cole sat crouched along the corridor only feet away from his target. He inched closer, not daring to breath. If his timing was right, the security guard next to the door would be leaving in...three...two...one. He heard the guard's foot steps loud at first, then softer as they carried away. There was only a two minute window before the next guard would round the corner. This was his moment
He stood, took three steps to the door, and swiped the card, adrenaline raging through his veins. The lock turned green and clicked open. Cole couldn't believe how easy this had been. He took a step into the room and saw a staircase leading up to a pedal stool where the orb hung in mid air. He turned quickly and shut the door behind him, then took one step up, and then another. As he reached the top, the orb glowed brightly.
Then a horrible wailing sounds pierced his ears as flashing lights beamed from every direction. A hand touched his shoulder.
“Hello, son.”
This was such a fun contest to participate in! I teamed up with my son, @thegreatdayne. He created the digital 3-D art, and we collaborated on the plot of the story, and then I went to writing! Thanks so much @mariannewest for the opportunity!
Much love,
Stacie D
