I walked down the street, hands in my pockets. My sigh fogged in the brisk december air. I gripped my coat tighter around me when the wind blew harshly. I need to hurry. I thought as I walked quickly through the streets of Whittington. I glanced around before stepping out of the shadows, then quickly moving to the next one. I lived in the more dangerous parts of Whittington, though it was all dangerous. Being out after dark was just asking for trouble. Damn, my manager. She made me work overtime again. To her, it's not a big deal, but to me, I am risking my life.
I had considered quitting several times, due to the fact that I risked my life too many times. I stayed every time because my family needed the income. I raced across the street to the shabby apartment building I referred to as home. I ran inside and up the stairs to the fourth floor. I walked down the hall silently to apartment forty two.
I unlocked the door and carefully walked inside. It was dark and silent, but that didn't mean they were sleeping. I heard a creek. "It's just me, mum." I whispered. A light flicked on, hurting my eyes by its sudden intensity.
"You're late." I looked at her. She was sitting in her rocking chair next to the end table that held the lamp. She had a blanket overtop of her legs and a robe around her. "Again." Her beautiful brown hair was a mess. There were bags under her blue eyes; they no longer shined with joy, but with worry.
"I'm sorry." I said looking away from her. It is hard coming home to this. My mother hates that I do this. I understand her concern; she's already lost two kids and my father to the streets. My thoughts wander to Alan and Susie. Both died trying to take over for my father, Matt. By taking over for him, I mean they were trying to bring in an income. Trying to provide for the family. Now, I had taken over for all of them.
I heard her stand up. I glanced at her. She seemed to have aged ten years in the past two. That's how quickly we lost them. Within the past two years, a father, a brother, and a sister now gone. There is still more kids to feed. My family is not the only one struggling. There are broken families all through this apartment building that have lost. Families across the street. Down the road. Families all over Whittington. We are the families that have paid the price for the prosperity of the families in the Center.
My mother's arms wrap around me. I hold her gently. We never asked for this. Why are we paying the price? Are we being punished for our ignorance? For our stupidity? For our blindness? Whatever the reason, it is much too cruel. I feel my mother's tears wetting my grubby shirt. If only, we had never let those monsters into our town.
...
A/N: Suggestions for type of alien it should be? (New chapter soon. I promise)