The Almost Avox Boy

by Mara1j1

I've never been so out of my element in my life; running through the city to avoid living the life of an Avox. But I can't give up without seeing Parry once more.

I slowly duck my head around the corner into the tunnel and see the workers backs heading towards an exit door. They carry their helmets and roll up their sleeves as they go, there are no voices. Just the sound of the steam pipes and the rumble from the Capitol streets above. The white fluorescent lights flickers above their figures as I watch them ascend the stairs and leave as my palms start to sweat.

Just a few more minutes until I'm up on street level where I won't feel so trapped. I whip my head around scanning my surroundings. I keep imagining footsteps in the hallway behind, the sound of guns or voices that I would never hear from Avox's down here. The constant prickly heat from the steam pipes fills the tunnels and presses through my service uniform.

I think I'm underneath Sonous street right near the Theatre but I may have misjudged and could be blocks away by now. These steam pipes snake beneath the city for miles. I could try follow the tunnels to the outskirts but I can't leave without seeing Parry.

I duck my head around the corner once more. The hallway has been clear for a little while giving the workers time to disperse from the other side of the door. I whip my head around a few times to scan where I came from and the other dark side tunnels. Clear.

I make my move running quickly and quietly down the tunnel following the path of the workers. An iron door greets me at the top of clanging metal stairs. I pause before opening the door and take a deep breath. Okay. Head for Parry and then run like hell.

I slip out into the shaded afternoon. My pumping heart instantly sending the adrenaline I need through my body. The sun dips low behind the high rise buildings bringing some welcome darkness. I keep my head down. Even with the coming night, I haven't got much hope for reaching the outskirts with all of the cameras in this god forsaken city. But I have no choice but to try, they'll have to kill me before cutting out my tongue and making me an Avox. I enter a throng of people crossing the street and try to blend in.