Chapter Twelve

Like the Earth, Dustromedian also has its moon. It gives us the light when it's totally dark on the surface. There's no other light source outside the city except from the highways and bridges connecting all the cities together. The stream goes on. I held my breath as we left the vent. But I can't hold it too long. I had to breathe in again. That was when I realised, the air outside is breathable! My dad seemed to know this already. He was breathing fine since just now. My mom too. Zayne however was like me. We flowed down the stream. I glanced back, the dome was drifting further away as we swam. Metres from the vent where we went through, is the main city gateway, the highway and the bridge to Yula. Security officers walked about the bridges. Yula has an ever bigger dome above her. Yula was indeed bigger than Warhem. From what I've heard, Yula has more commercials and entertainment. Lights from spacebuilds inside, partially leave the dome, giving light to the surface around it. The stream however was not too bright. It's good actually. It helps us hide from anyone. Since we're now on the wanted list. Specifically me. Once someone's on the wanted list, all other four cities would get the news and they'll be on the lookout for me. I'm famous. But a criminal to their eyes.

Our source of light now is only the moon. And come to think of it, probably the light sticks from our spacesuits as well. I think the main reason dad asked us to bring the suits is for the sticks. I still couldn't believe that we can breathe the air outside. Why did the officials and teachers in school taught us otherwise? For few generations they've been teaching the same thing. Brainwash! I don't blame the teachers in school. Like Miss Janet, she has to teach only whatever the syllabus required. And the syllabus came from the government. Directly saying, the government doesn't want us to know that the air outside is breathable. They want us to live in domes. Like I said before. They want us like prisoners, behind bars. No wonder there are openings in the dome, it doesn't affect the air condition inside. It definitely is confirmed. The government has a lot they are hiding. They're definitely not good.

'Let's get out of the water now' dad said. I let go of his bag and swam a little to the bank on the left side. Together with my dad, we get up onto the surface. Mom held Zayne as he let go of her bag. She helped him get onto the surface. Then she got up.

'We're terribly wet!' Zayne exclaimed.

'Yes we are sweetie' mom replied, laughing a little. We're stressed but lucky we have Zayne with us. His small innocent mind help cheer us up even in tense situation. I know he don't fully understand what we are going through. But that's cute. I wonder when will all this be over. Or will I be living as a fugitive in fear for the rest of my life.

'What now?' I asked. I hugged myself. I was shivering. The cold was close to unbearable. Dad took out a towel from his bag. He felt it. He passed it to me.

'This will still help. Only a little. I thought our bags are waterproof' he said.

Mom also opened her bag and took out a towel for Zayne. I wrapped mine around myself. The towel was a little damp.

'Dad, mom, you don't need one?' I asked.

'We're alright sweetheart' mom replied.

'Only a short distance left' dad said.

He started walking away from the stream to what seemed like a dark empty horizon.

'Where are we going?' I asked. I was totally relieved that we are no longer near any city. So I happily walked beside dad.

'A safe hiding place for now' dad said.

Mom and Zayne are following close behind.

'Norman and Orion are there too?'

'They will be'

Dad doesn't sound sure. I really hope he's right. The thought of Norman amd Orion getting caught along with their family really scared me. The smug face on Jayden Pierce is just haunting. Afterwards, we just followed dad in silence. Wherever he's going.