Still Alive

ed. How are we sure that our families are safe?" Emily complain

'm sure that they are fine and we will see them soon," s

her like she was trying to ascertain her present location. She yawned and drowsily staggered to the window. She moved the blind carefully to t

ne speaking. Maybe it was a dream," she thought. Just

ody he

not as faint as before.

hear me? Pl

as out there! Melissa hurriedly tiptoed

shoulder to rouse her from sleep. Emily's eyes flew

e street. She's calling fo

wned in c

e. Melissa pulled her by hand from the couch to the window

to let her in," Melissa said as

er in!" Emily yelled in

She needs

best friend's lack of emp

of these. True, she had seen Emily act like she didn't care about people, but Em had been her best friend since first grade. They have done prac

ld have given her another bad name. But Melissa understood her friend more than anyone else ever would. Emily was just afraid to be hur

d to help her, okay?" Mel

odded t

ed out throu

st," Melissa called out

ing unbelievabl

She took a step outside the door. A gust of wind blew through the branches of the trees and brought her hair over her face a

you?" Melis

from behind one of the huge waste bins wh

the street, Melissa inspected her face. She didn't recognize the girl. "She must be

he kept darting her eyes sideways and look

ily called from

her, there was movement in the shrub just by the door. A sick man jumpe

ricken. Emily opened the door and pulled her i

ooo

rs streamed down her eyes. She slumped

said repeatedly, her whole body sh

," Emily said, trying

re now. She needed my help, but I failed her." There was no stoppin

u were brave. You stepped outside. You

with a shaking voice as she allowed he

the door star

as she and Melissa disengaged