As Ashes Fall

Prologue:

I grabbed the small hand as I ran into the shelter as ashes fell upon us.  We darted into the small, dusty room. No one has been down here in 36 years. Never needed to be, until now. I shoved her into the tiny space as I slammed the door shut and locked the door. I sighed as I slid down the door and started to cry.

Lucy walked towards me, holding her damaged teddy bear. “Sissy, are we gunna be okay?” she asked me with her eye slightly watering. “Lucy, come here.” I said as I grabbed her hand and sat her on my lap. “We are going to be absolutely fine. We will get out of this. I promise you that.” With that, I watched as her breathing evened out and I finally fell into a restless sleep.

            “BOOM!” I awoke with a scream. “Lucy! What the hell are you doing?!” I got no answer. “Lucy? Where are you?” I started to panic. I couldn’t find her anywhere. It’s not like she can hide anywhere, it’s a tiny room. “We’ve got her. And she isn’t coming back” I heard it whisper in a deep, raspy voice. “Let her go!” I screamed, but got no answer.  I got up cautiously and looked around the room to make sure they weren’t in here. I turned towards the door. I was shaking slightly. I unlocked the door with and unsteady hand and opened it quietly. I looked out and was absolutely shocked at what I seen. The entire city that used to be is now entirely demolished, right to the ground. Masses of ash and annihilated buildings disguise the once beautiful city. I stumble around the city, tripping over what used to be the stunning city of Barboursville. After what seemed like forever, I finally reached my house. Now, just the remains of an astonishing Victorian style house. The only thing left standing was the steps that lead up to the front porch. I sat on the steps and began to sob.

What was I going to do?

How will I survive?

Will I make it out of this hell on earth?

To those I had no answer, but all I knew was I had to get my baby sister back. No matter what it takes.

And little did I know, that would take a lot more than I first thought.