Echo

I ran down the dark road, people in cloaks at my tail. Alex runs in front of me, both of us at top speed. Our pursuers are quick too. We jump over a log, but I trip. Alex stops to help, but as soon as I stand, thick arms wrap around us and we are captured.

My eyes snapped open and I shook my head violently. I was sweaty and hot. My eyes felt itchy and red, and the pillow on my side was wet. I looked at Alex who looked as if he'd been crying too. I moaned and frowned, my back sore from the rough floor of the cave, and my shirt sticking to me because I was sweating.

I slipped out of the sleeping bag without waking Alex up and went to my notebook, which I had stored on top of my backpack, and sat at the edge of the cave. The sun was just rising, and the waves were gently lapping up against a smoother part of the opening. I stretched out and opened my notebook, pen in hand.

What has happened
Am I the one to blame
Left on the streets
With nothing but my name
With a friend I might hurt
Though I'd really rather not
Feelings I might blurt
If the sun gets to hot
Echo

I closed it slowly, emotions flooding back in a rage that couldn't be held back much longer. I thought I was out of tears from last night, but I guess I was wrong so I did my best to make a dam to hold them back.

Just as I put my notebook on top of my backpack, Alex stirred. He sat up and looked at me.

"Hey, what did you dream about?" he asked groggily.

"Why?"

"You were muttering and whimpering and thrashing around." I felt my cheeks grow red.

"Uh, sorry. It was nothing." He stood and stretched. Then he put his glasses on and squinted out into the sunny entrance.