The cold air of winter was coursing through every breath taken, but if that was the case, why did he feel like he was burning from the inside right now? Was it because he was running? Or maybe it was just the adrenaline helping him through this life-or-death situation?
Sunless couldn't tell which one was correct.
Each step was made with the will of pushing the ground away, propelling himself forward. He had learned from every failure; this time, they would not catch him. This time, he would be able to keep his ration. His long, unkempt hair was stuck on his forehead, the sweat acting like the best glue for his greatest displeasure.
His lungs were on fire.
Pain...
He knew that stopping his course was the worst option. Because they wouldn't let him go away without letting their steam off against him. To his surprise, today, the streets were full of people, more than usual, especially in this area. After all, it was one of the least important roads joining
the main city to the outskirts.
Who would come here with their right mind with a smile ?
It was good actually.
Having so many people around was perfect! No need to run for too long; Sunless just had to find a hiding place, and he would be let off the hook. Yes, that sounded like a plan. Gods, why does he have to run like this? Shouldn't he be at his sleeping spot? He had searched for a long time to get it, just deep enough in a hole to protect him from the merciless wind of the night.
Hypothermia was not something he wanted to try again, not after being saved by the Caretaker. The poor lady was taking care of almost all the lost children of this sector.
His little figure was weaving in and out between the random bystanders. Insults were flying from behind him; it was also good news. If they talk, that means they stopped running, at least for kids like him.
The melted snow under his feet started to gain more and more thickness, losing the melted description along the way. The footfall that followed him kept decreasing but did not disappear. Pursuing him, like a wounded beast that pushed through the last of his strength in hope of evading the ending destined to him.
They were still too close for Sunless to try anything else.
He had to hide.
Any corner would do the trick; the pavement was full, but it was only a matter of minutes before his luck decided to turn around to kick him. His legs were screaming, praying that this madness would stop. And yet, he pushed them. So many people, too many. Are there any events in this part of the city? The sky was clouded; there was no reason for all of them to be here.
He needed to-
SLIP
Sunless almost slid, if not for the closest wall... now there was black ice?!
He had lost a little of his advance over his pursuer, one too many. Cursing didn't even come to his mind; he had prayed internally, but there was absolutely no opportunity to hide anywhere. Which left him with only one option left; he had to hide in plain sight. Something far too bold, something they wouldn't think he would try.
A bet.
What did he have to lose more than what is already at stake?
The last sprint was engaged, making them lose sight of him for a few seconds. It was all he needed, as the group of eight people at full speed kept running and pushing—or trying at least—people away. They knew that he was exhausted, so just a bit more and they would catch him.
Anger and hunger are the enemies of logic.
Only to see their prey leaving to cross the road. There were only a few PTVs driving in general, and even fewer in this snowy climate. So the moving metal case on wheels was surely a shared hallucination; yes, it could only be it.
Sunless could swear that he felt the vehicle grazing him. Cutting one more time the line of view from him. It was too late now; the boy with raven hair was now part of the crowd on the other side. Following the pace, keeping his breathing steady despite his urge to cough. Walking silently between a couple and a family... Present in hand.
That explains a lot now... Christmas Eve is coming, and the shops around here have lower prices.
The grimace of discomfort only grew darker thanks to jealousy. Celebrating and laughing with Rain and his parents, that thought was like a poison to his sanity.
The body moved while the mind was lost in a fog, mixing the unreachable realities and his hellish circumstances. Normally, he was safe, and so... The tension in his body dropped, and he collapsed against a wall in the closest dark alley, grasping for air. The ration still in his arms, he had to feel it against him; that weight was worth all those troubles.
After two days without anything in his stomach...
His eyelid became heavy from exhaustion; he had to go back to his spot before nightfall.
He had to...
He had...
The boy was out. Asleep between a garbage bin and empty boxes. With his legs sticking out on the floor, no noise would wake him up.
Not even a voice.
-"I found him."