"We're making history, Stella. The power of unity is prevailing over division. Together, we are showing beyond the border that peace is possible, even in times of conflict." As our movement grew, we gained the support of influential leaders and individuals who believed in our vision of a beyond the Pacific border. We heard inspiring stories of people who changed their perspectives, abandoned hatred and joined the fight for peace. "Each person who joins us brings with him a new flame of hope. Together, we are creating a wave of change that will echo for future generations." Our coalition worked tirelessly to promote dialogue and reconciliation between the categories. We organized mediation meetings, where leaders of all categories sat at the table to discuss their differences and seek common ground. “We should listen to each other, with respect and compassion. Only through mutual understanding can we build a solid foundation for peace." "We need to remember that, despite our differ
"Stella, do I need to insist on saying that this is the worst idea you've ever had in your entire life?""Even if you say so, Mom, I won't go back."Through the dashboard of the car, I heard my mother sigh deeply. I wouldn't be surprised if she was regretting the day she didn't use condoms with her father I never met - but who had left a cheap necklace for my mother to give me in the future - because maybe that way she wouldn't be listening to the last words of her only daughter.Last words, literally, because everyone knew that crossing the border of the fields and returning to the abandoned cities was an accurate death sentence. Everyone knew that our world was doomed and that the right thing was to hide in nature because the cities no longer belonged to ordinary humans. I also knew, but I had already come too far to give up for fear of some silly and old legends."There are monsters out there," said Mom, her trembling and failed voice. She should be crying. "I can't allow you to c
A man appeared from inside the guardhouse, holding a weapon in his large hands and an expression that mixed astonishment and anger. The very close eyebrows gave the expression of constant frowns on his square face. But what was scary was his size. If he wasn't more than two meters, then my years of mathematical studies wouldn't be worth anything."Hello," I said amicably when I realized that he was approaching. As pathetic as it seemed, I believed it would be good to get straight to the point. "I received the message."The stranger walked on small debris from the sidewalk, but his boots did not produce sound. It was almost as if he floated, or as if he was trained not to draw attention in any way. A stealth predator. I wondered how long he knew I was there. If I hadn't seen it while I was approaching by car.Although legends lead us to believe in supernatural and unreal creatures, there were also rumors of humans who ventured across borders and never returned, creating a group of surv
“Slave?” I asked, widening my eyes. "No, sir. I'm not a slave. I'm looking for medicines or herbs. I'm looking for anything that can heal my people. Our people."The stranger laughed. It wasn't a normal laugh. It wasn't pure debauchery. It was a sound that made me tremble and maybe my knees would fail if I tried to stand up. However, the man didn't seem at all willing to let me go. On the contrary, he was nowTaking it into the military barracks, we were followed by all the other men."Do you even know where you got into, little girl?" asked the stranger, showing yellowish teeth as he smiled widely. I felt the evil, I felt the worst intentions he showed to have, and I almost emptied my bladder. "Your people would never compare to mine. We are what you fear. And you are food for us. You're nothing but fresh meat now."A long time ago I had learned to fear men. With the lack of food and the increasingly uncertain days, men showed their true faces. There were no laws to protect women. No
Surprise echoed among people, but the man merely moved his eyes to me. The golden glow seemed to turn red for a quick moment, but I did not pay attention to this fact, as I struggled with fear and faced the risk."Listen here, you Neanderthal, I'm an asthmatic with serious problems of arrogance. I studied for years of my short life to get to this point: where I find an answer. People are dying. There is hunger and fear where I come from. If I will be enslaved at the end of this day, at least I demand to know what is there inside this barracks so that the stars would send me here.""Stars don't speak," he said, arching an eyebrow."They spoke this time."The stranger just watched me for too long, so he gave a snorting giggle. The sound gave me goosebumps, but it wasn't out of fear."Your stars sent you to the wolves den, sweetie. There's nothing in there but us.""No medicine?"“No.”"No weed?".“Nothing.”I felt frustrated and shocked. I let go of the stranger's arm and looked at the s
I laughed. It was a laugh of despair because I no longer knew how I had gotten into that mess. All that moment seemed like a weird dream and I would soon wake up in the cold accommodation in the middle of the field, with more dust to hit the covers and having a day of pure heat in the tight rooms of college. That didn't seem real."I can't explain myself in ten seconds," I replied with a frown."You wasted five of your time saying that, take good care of your next words.""My name is Stella and I'm an astronomer," I decided to introduce myself, to at least win more than ten seconds. It seemed to work because the Alpha sketched a slight shock when dilating his pupils. Around us, the silence was present. "I study the stars, and I found coordinates following the constellations of the zodiac. Or rather, some constellations, because there were many others that I didn't have time to translate.""And what did the moon say to you?" he asked, letting go of my chin. "Duntied did the moon agree
As the pack led me deeper into the wilderness, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The Alpha had let me go, but why? And what was he hiding?My questions were soon answered as we entered the ruins of an abandoned city. The pack moved swiftly, guiding me through the empty streets and alleyways. But as we approached the center of the city, I could sense that something was wrong.The pack suddenly stopped, and the Alpha turned to me, his eyes narrowed. "I can't let you go," he said, his voice low and menacing. "Not now."I tried to protest, but the pack surrounded me, blocking my escape. And then I heard the sound of approaching footsteps. A group of humans, armed with guns and weapons, emerged from the shadows, led by a woman who seemed to be in charge.The Alpha growled, his eyes blazing with anger. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.The woman stepped forward, her eyes locked onto me. "You took one of our people," she said. "And now we're here to take her back."The Al
As I approached the cabin, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It was small and dilapidated, but it would provide me with shelter, at least for a while.I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the darkness. The cabin was empty, save for a few pieces of furniture and a small fireplace.I set down my bag and began to explore the cabin, searching for anything that could be of use. I found a few cans of food and a water bottle, and I set them aside, grateful for the meager supplies.As I sat by the fireplace, warming my hands, I couldn't help but think about what had happened. I was alone, in the middle of nowhere, with no way to contact the outside world. The Alpha and his pack were still out there, hunting me.But despite the fear that gripped me, I knew that I couldn't give up. I had to keep fighting, to find a way out of this nightmare.And so, I began to formulate a plan. I would gather supplies, try to find a way to signal for help, and most important