The River by Brooklin Biddix (free ebook reader for ipad .TXT) 📖

     I sit staring at the river as it flows past our small town. I’ve traveled beside this fast flowing current almost my whole life. At the end, there lies a well. The well stands out of place. Most especially because it is empty. How can this be so? We don't get much rain here, that could be one of the reasons. And to make matters worse, the air is almost always dry, so very little water lingers in the air. I place my hand to my throat, I’m so thirsty. I slowly move my hand from my neck and lower it towards the water source in front of me. Quickly looking around to make sure nobody saw me. As soon as my hand touches the water, an alarm sounds in the distance. I sigh, not again.

     I stand uncomfortably in front if the little cabin. My home. A man with a firm hand grasping my arm reaches up with his other hand, forming a fist, pounds on the door. My mother opens the door. When she sees me, her face goes from a look of worry to anger in a flash. I felt uncomfortable standing between my mother and the gruff man. Like an igneous that had been placed in the wrong place at the wrong time. “What did you do this time?” She sighs before giving the man a brief smile. “I apologize for whatever she has done this time, it won’t happen again.” She gave me such a look; if looks could kill, I’d be six feet under right now. The man reluctantly releases my arm, and I quickly move away from him. “I don't believe this will be the last time,” his gruff voice meets mine and my mothers ears. She gave him a dubious look. “This is the fifth time this month that your daughter has tried to take water from our sources without permission.” He sighs before continuing, “Next time, we will not be so kind.” I could see my mother thinking, I am going to be in so much trouble. “She is lucky that I got to her before her fingers got any deeper than the surface of the water. I am sure she would've been taken away if they had gone any further.” My mother looked at me, then back to the man, “Thank you for returning her home. I will be sure to deal with her.” The man nodded before glancing at me, as if making sure I wouldn’t run back to the water, then turned and left.

     “What were you thinking?!” I was sitting in my room when my mother barreled through the door. I shrugged. She glared at me, “Don’t give me that!” I sighed, “You want to know why I do it? I’m thirsty, ok. All the rest of the town is dying off. It isn't fair. How come we’re not ‘worthy’ of the water that is supplied here?” Her eyes soften, “Honey, I know it doesn't seem right, but that’s just the way things are. Besides, we have our own water source. The well, remember?” I almost forgot to tell her. “Mom, the well is dried out. Why do you think I’ve been taking the water from the river?” She looked shocked, “W-what are you saying?” “We’re completely out of water. No fresh water, not even water that we could clean ourselves. And they know. Why do you think they’ve been patrolling the river more than usual?” My mothers face grows pale.

     That night, as my mother settled into bed, I packed a sack of food. I rummaged in my room to find a piece of paper. I only found a ripped up piece, with barely enough room to write two full sentences. I grabbed a broken pencil and started writing:

     Mom, gone to find water. Be back soon. Love you.

     I lay the note on our rugged table that sits in the middle of our small living room. Sighing, I pull the sack on my shoulder and quietly make my way out the door. I start towards the river and stop just above the saturation. I look to my left to see a small hill sloping downwards away from the river, little water trickles down. I’ll be going in the direction. It’s the same way as the well. It will take me about a two hours journey to get there. I walk alongside the river as I start on my way.

     When I can no longer see the towers of the guard stands, I begin to relax. All of a sudden, the bushes beside me start rustling like crazy. Thinking it may be someone who followed me, I fall on my stomach towards the ground. But, for some reason, it was wet and I slipped. I kept sliding, keeping a squeal from sounding out of my mouth. I finally stop when my body collides with the river. The current was too strong and water immediately began to infiltrate through my mouth and nose. The only thoughts that pass through my mind is, I’m going to die. But, I didn’t. I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist as I was pulled out of the deathly river.

     I lay on the cold ground, sputtering out water, thankful for the air that enters my lungs once more. When I can fully breathe again, I look up at my savior. As soon as I see his face, I wish that I hadn’t. It was the same guard that had brought me home earlier today. He wasn't in uniform, which was very confusing since the guards always had to wear their uniform, even when not on duty. “Lucky I got to you in time”, he smiled down at me. I coughed, “What are you going to do with me?” I almost didn't want him to answer. Hopefully, if he does take me somewhere, it would be back home. He held his hand out to me, “I’m going to help you.” I looked at him, confused. “You’re not the only one in need of water.” I take his hand as he lifts me back to my feet. “But, I thought guards were supplied with as much water as they needed.” “They do”, he sighed, “But, they cannot supply their families with the water they get, because they would then ask for more.” I gave him an incredulous look. He slowly shook his head, “It’s unfair, I know.” He paused before continuing, “They wouldn't let me quit. They won't allow any of us to quit. So, I figured if I could help you, you could help me.” I cocked my head, “How do I know I can trust you?” He rolled his eyes, “I kind of just saved your life.” I slowly smile at him, maybe this couldn't be so bad. “I’m M.J.”, I hold out my hand. “Sam”, he takes my hand in his.

     I sigh in relief as we stop in front of an aged rock. It’s covered in moss and has many cracks and holes strewn all around the seem. We’ve been walking for about an hour. We should be getting close to the well by now. I shiver as I feel the air around me get colder. I take in a breath and can practically taste water rising up into my throat. I quickly jump to my feet. Sam nearly falls backwards. “What is it?” He asked exasperated. “Water”, I mumble. He stands up and walks beside me, “Where?” I pause, “I don't know… I just know it’s around here… somewhere.” I close my eyes and start concentrating. It was very faint, but I could hear the sound of running water. “There”, I point in the direction the sound is coming from. We start walking, then it turns into a low jog, and soon enough we’re sprinting towards the water. The air around us begins to get foggy and almost all I hear is the sound of pounding water. I squint my eyes to see a waterfall. It doesn't look to be flowing from a river or lake. It’s like… one big rock that just so happens to be oozing water. Strange. I start laughing as we stand beside the screaming waterfall. “We did it”, I smiled at Sam. He reached into the bag he was carrying and pulled out five water bottles. He returned my smile before grabbing a leaf the size of my hand and placing it into the water. When he pulled it out, he explained, “This should keep the water clean, just in case. I watched as the water seeped through the leaf and into one of the bottles.

     It has been many years since Sam and I have found that waterfall. When we returned to the town, everyone rejoiced with the newfound water source. And all the ‘leaders’ were soon banished elsewhere. Who would've known, my story turned out not-so-bad…

Text: Do NOT Steal... Thanks!
Publication Date: 12-25-2017

All Rights Reserved