Where the Sidewalk Ends (the story) - Part 6

Kayden’s heart thumps as he cautiously makes his way back through the rubble.

Einith and a few others had accompanied him to the sewer entrance early this morning.

When Kayden first escaped, he hadn’t really taken the time to study Pinnacle from this distance.

“See those glass domes rising above the walls? Those are where the one-percenters live.” Einith had pointed out the bubble-like structures. “The cities are getting old. With their technology failing and resources dwindling, they’ve reached out several times over the years for help from the free people. Our terms have always been the same; tell their population the truth about the world and open the cities. Let the people live where they want. Give them a choice. They have always refused.” Einith’s face had looked sad, but all Kayden felt was anger.

“They would sacrifice so many people's freedom just to stay in power?” Kayden had spat the words at the city, wishing he could throw a rock hard enough to break those glass bubbles.

“For some, power is more important than their fellow human.” Einith had turned and kneeled in front of him. “Look. I’m not going to pretend this won’t be dangerous. Don’t rush this and only act when the timing looks right for you. We aren’t going anywhere, and I want to make sure you make it back to us.”

She had wrapped him in a hug then, and Kayden wasn’t sure whether to push her away or accept it. Physical touch hadn’t been part of his life much, but before she could pull away, he had awkwardly returned her embrace.

“If I don’t make it, at least I’ve had a taste of freedom. That’s more than most in there can say.” Pulling away, he moves towards the sewer before she can say anything else.

“Hey, kid! Wait up.”

Kayden had frowned at Bowden as the burly man caught up to him. “You want to hug me too?”

Bowden’s bark of laughter surprises a grin from Kayden. “Nah. I’m good. I just wanted to wish you luck. We’ve been able to sneak things into the city over the years, like the map you found. But this chip is really going to turn the tide. So, you know… thanks. Maybe we’ll bake you a cake when this is over and done with. You know, in celebration.”

At Kayden’s blank look, Bowden had laughed again before explaining the sweet dessert.

After that, there were no more reasons to delay, and he had given the group a hasty wave before disappearing down the ladder.

Now, the stink of the city nearly makes him sneeze, and he immediately misses the sweet smell of the world that’s waiting for him outside.

For a minute, his gut wrenches with his want to turn around, but he grits his teeth, slips on his mask and pushes forward. He knows how much is at stake.

“I can do this,” he whispers before retracing his steps to avoid the cameras.

Everything looks different to him now. The ugliness of the city, of his home has never been more apparent. No! This place is a prison not a home! It’s never been a home.

Slipping back into his dorm is almost too easy. It feels like ages have passed since he left, but his bunk still looks the same. The other kids with their dour faces still look the same.

The dorm master barely gives him a second glance when Kayden checks in. “Cutting it a little close, aint ya?” is all he mutters.

Kayden ignores the odious man and heads to the work board terminal. Bringing up the duct maintenance schedule, he scans the sectors, looking for the one that includes the server room.

His next three work rotations weren’t anywhere near that area. “Damn,” he curses under his breath.

Even though he could move somewhat freely from sector to sector, someone could question why he was that far from his current assigned job.

From the looks of it, he would have to wait nearly a month until he was close enough not to draw attention.

Several desperate ideas run through his head, before Einith’s words come back to him. Don’t rush this and only act when the timing looks right for you. We aren’t going anywhere, and I want to make sure you make it back to us.

Kayden wants the same thing, so he quells his disappointment. “A month is nothing. It’ll probably fly by.” Ignoring the heaviness in his heart, he turns and heads to his bunk.

Authors notes: Please see below for the next part in this series. Thanks for reading!