Among the Hidden

Outside in the fresh air, Luke feels like his time trapped inside was a dream and he is now finally awake to enjoy the outdoors. He worries about the risk of being outside, so he crouches down and moves quickly along his planned route. He’s afraid of the open spaces. He hears his mother’s voice telling him to get inside, but it’s just in his head. His feelings about his home morph from viewing it as a safe haven to viewing it as a prison. He pushes forward and makes it to the neighbors’ backyard. The screen door is closed, but the actual door beyond it is open. He tugs at the screen door and finds it’s locked.

Luke panics, having never been this exposed before. He tugs at the door but cannot open it. He didn’t plan for an unlocked door because he’s never been at anyone’s door except his own. He punches through the screen, ripping the wire away from the frame and cutting his hand in the process. He unlocks the door and steps inside. The house is much cleaner, nicer, and more modern than his family’s. 

Luke hears someone cough in another room as well as a strange beeping.