36 minutes

Sopia’s sobs racked her whole body as she thought of all she would miss. It was hard to believe just yesterday she was happily touring colleges and texting her friends, not even thinking about how much she took for granted, how much she would miss if it-and she were gone. Coffee in the morning. Her friends, her parents, her house. Art class. As she walked, she began to imagine a different world. Nothing would ever harm her there, nothing could touch anyone. There were no bombings, or rations, no need for shelters. Yeah right, she thought to herself. Nothing would ever be that way. She blinked, bringing herself back to reality. Sophia stopped crying, realizing there wasn’t really a point in it. She rubbed her dog’s back and held the leash a little tighter.  Suddenly, she heard the quiet motor sound of a hover going by. She looked up slowly to see her old childhood friend, Aria!

“Soph! Do you need a ride?” She yelled down. Sophia broke out in fresh sobs of relief.

“Yes”, she choked out. “A ride would be great.” Her parents waved up to Aria’s parents, who waved back, but they were somewhat subdued. Sophia realized something.

“Aria, how many more people can your hover fit?” She asked hesitantly. Aria looked shocked as it dawned on her.

“One....”