Danielle and Kevin sat on the floor in Danielle’s living room, cross-legged and facing each other.
“Please?”
Danielle looked away from Kevin for a moment, comforted by the fact that the living room curtains were closed. They’d already checked all the doors and windows. They were locked inside the house. And Danielle’s mother wouldn’t be home from work for another 2 hours.
She focused on a pillow perched on the couch behind Kevin. She focused as it rose, above his head, and then dropped in his lap.
Kevin was startled by the appearance of the pillow, but then he laughed.
“That is so cool.”
Danielle shrugged, “I don’t know anymore. Part of me doesn’t want to do anything like that ever again. Then maybe this Q-person will just leave me alone.”
Kevin tossed the pillow back onto the couch, “I don’t think it’s going to be that simple, Dani. I don’t think these people care whether you’re using the ability, just that you have it. Are you ready to email Audrey?”
She shook her head.
“Okay.”
They sat quietly for a moment. Danielle let her mind wander.
I can’t do anything to protect her. These people are dangerous. And we’re just a couple of kids. What can I do to keep her safe? Should we even trust Austin?
Danielle raised her eyes and saw Kevin staring at the front door. He appeared to be lost in his thoughts.
She focused on the pillow again, raising it just above his head. She let it hover there for a moment. He wasn’t paying attention.
WHAM.
She let the pillow smack him in the face. Kevin looked at Danielle in shock, and she couldn’t help but burst out laughing. He picked up the pillow and threw it back at her. They both broke into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
It felt good. Danielle felt like she was able to relax for that moment.
Somewhere in the house, a door slammed. Danielle felt her entire body tense. Kevin stood up, automatically on alert.
A shuffling could be heard coming from the garage. Kevin grabbed Danielle’s hand and they tip-toed into the kitchen. Kevin put his ear up to the door that led to the garage. Danielle concentrated. Kevin watched her.
I’m coming for you, little girl. I know you can hear me. There’s nothing you can do now.
Danielle tugged on Kevin’s arm, and then she turned and led him to her bedroom.
“Someone is in the garage. They know I can hear them.” Danielle whispered as Kevin started to open the window that led to the backyard.
“When you get outside, run towards 12th street. There’s an all-night coffee shop on the corner. Cops are always hanging out. As long as we can get there, we’ll be safe long enough to come up with a plan.”
Danielle nodded that she understood. Kevin helped her climb onto her desk and out the window. As soon as her feet hit the ground below, Kevin let go of her so he could climb out. She wanted to wait to feel his comfort again, but she knew she had to go.
She took off running.
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For more of Danielle’s story, visit my Fiction page.
