Dedicated to Meera.K ,MSSS

It was a nice and hot day and I was driving my Porsche in the desert. My dad was just a few kilometers apart, driving his Mercedes. Everything was perfect.

Then it happened.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an SUV climb up one of the closest sand dunes. It was black, and the people in it had guns. They certainly didn't look like a bunch of friendly passer-bys to me. And they were definitely coming at me. I slammed on the gas, frantic to get away before it was too late. Already I could see many black spots in my mirror - all with armed men. Funny as they looked in the mirror, I was damn sure that I would be in trouble if I stick around anymore.

"I'll cover you, Katie - giddy up and clear out," cackled the talkie on my car, bringing my dad's long forgotten voice to my memory. I drove on, not even sure of the directions anymore. I just wanted to get the hell out of here!  

The SUVs  were closing in on me -now they were in their original sizes, not spots - and just when I lost all hope of remaining alive, a Mercedes drove in.

Or should I say, The Mercedes.

It fishtailed around, and my dad fired at the SUVs, keeping them at bay. But now they were all aiming at him, and even though he was a good shot, I knew I had to turn around, since he was so overpowered. 

But the car wouldn't swerve. No brakes. No gear. It just kept going.

"I love you, Katie," were the last words I heard from my dad before he drove straight into an SUV and ended up exploding. All of those which were close enough too exploded , like fireworks in a night sky. My dad killed all of them, save a few who were farther and sensible to drive away.

I was safe, alive.

But my dad was dead.

"NO! ," I screamed, sitting up on my bed. I was panting, and I could feel my heart in my throat. Sighing, I got up and downed a glass of water. I could feel sweat dripping down my face.

Shadow was looking balefully at me. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was sleep deprivation. Or disruption, whatever. I don't think I could ever understand that dog. No longer able to sleep, I took out my sketchbook. Sensing I won't be back anytime soon, my very loyal dog went to sleep. An intelligent move.

It wasn't the first time that I was having this dream - nightmare, in fact - I thought the timing was rather random, but finally caught up with the pattern: it happens every single time I was too worried or tense. Or when I think too much of my parents. And its plainly impossible to go back to sleep after a dream like that. So, (as always) I decided to sketch to pass the time (though I am not so good at it). Soon enough, my alarm buzzed "6 am". I jumped into my tracksuit, pulled up my hair into a ponytail, tied my sneakers and bounded down the wooden stairs, with a determination to have the best day of my life. Shadow, too, kept up with the pretense, trotting along with his nose held high. I felt so relieved and stress free that I thought my little trick had actually worked. 

All such thoughts charred to ash when Gran greeted me, "Happy First Day At School, Katie !"

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Fun fact : My original idea did not have the forementioned dream - my friend had- and the moment I came to know abt it was also the moment this chapter was born.

So a BIG thank you to my dear friend (who is unfortunately not here on Wattpad).

Guess that's it! Next chapter awaits!

Vote, comment and keep reading!

Luv,

ceredeneTT