SURGE

by Donna Elliott

  Slowly, I nod.

  We haven’t faced this issue yet. We’ve both been avoiding it.

  Only the four people in that shed know what took place the other day. One of those four is dead, and one is blind to all the facts.

  Patrick knows I have special skills, and he’s under the impression that I saved all of us. He’s unaware that my talents are limited to energy forces, and he doesn’t know that I can’t affect the air current around me. I was just as surprised as both boys when Raul was lifted into the air.

  I’d wondered why everyone who touched the pool water during the flare had developed unnatural abilities, and yet Kat remained unaffected. It seems that a life-threatening situation must augment the development of our new talents.

  My senses were heightened during the hospital takeover, and Emily’s grew after her near-death experience. Raul’s attack must have fostered Kat’s manipulation of the wind.

  So, I continue nodding and agree with her. “Yes,” I say compassionately, “you did, but you didn’t know any of that was going to happen. You’ve never shown any signs of being different.”

  Her shoulders slump, and she appears to be shutting down, so I climb to my knees and grab her arms. With a small shake I say, “You’re a good person. You saved my life. You saved Patrick. You did what needed to be done, when I couldn’t. Stop punishing yourself.”

  I pull her close and wrap my arms around her. “Talk to your dad. I’m sure he can relate to what you’re feeling. His job forces him to make life-changing decisions all the time. He’ll know what you’re going through, and he’ll tell you what to do.”

  I know it may take time, but I think I’ve gotten through to her. In a while, I’ll suggest that we ask for Eric’s input. He may be able to help Kat the way he helped me. Until then, we’ll do as I suggested and take things one day at a time.

  Footsteps interrupt our conversation, and I look up just as Mr. Miller reaches a hand toward his daughter.

  While rubbing a soft caress down her back, he says, “Come back to the house. We all need to be more careful.”

  Worried about the others, I ask, “Has something happened?”

  “No, not really. Your mother and I just want to make sure everyone is safe.”

  After kissing the top of Kat’s head, he stands. “I went to the hunting cabin this morning, and the door was open. The place was a mess…and it was empty.”

  I frown. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, Raul’s body wasn’t there. Are you sure he’s dead?”

  I don’t hesitate in my response. “I’m sure, Mr. Miller. Some animals must have dragged him off. I saw him. He’s dead.”

  ◌◌◌

  I’m alone again.

  I’ve returned to the house. Settling onto one of the pool lounge chairs, I sit with my thoughts.

  My future is a dark void. I don’t know what to expect.

  I’m not the same person I was two months ago. The flare has extensively changed me and altered my perception of the world. Since I’m both a victim and a killer, I no longer feel capable of judging between good and bad people.

  I don’t know if those like Cowboy Bob are a threat to my existence, or if they’re just simple folks looking for a way to survive in this crazy, new world. I don’t know if living in the commune is the key to survival or the lock on indentured servitude; and I don’t know if the power that Eric, Emily, Kat, and I have will gradually fade or continue to grow until it finally explodes and kills us.

  I’m unsure what will happen tomorrow.

  I know only that today, I woke up again. The earth is spinning. The sun is shining. My water bottle is filled, and the Spam is plentiful.

  Thanks for taking the time to read my book! I know there are a lot of stories out there, so I’m happy you decided to read this one.

  I love science fiction and fantasy books, but almost every genre can be found on the shelves of my personal library. I read it all – except horror – and I am thrilled to finally add my own book to the collection.

  A story takes quite a while to plan and write. Book 2 is currently “under construction.” If you have comments or questions about Mya or her friends, please e-mail me at donnaelliott38@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.

  If you enjoyed SURGE, please take a moment to write a review on Amazon. I would be most thankful!

  https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/ref=dpx_acr_wr_link?asin=1729269990

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  This story would never have been completed without the love and encouragement of my husband, Randy Elliott.

  Among the others who offered words of advice and support are my children: Lance, Mandy, and David. I am eternally grateful to my parents, family, and friends who served as Beta Readers, and to my Assistant Editors: Sandy Wenzel and Ashley Tikkanen.

  Special thanks to my Editor Wendy Frost, for all her advice, late night help, and brainstorming.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Donna Elliott is a graduate of The University of Tennessee and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with her family. She loves all types of books and was inspired to write this debut novel after visiting Pleasanton, Texas.

  For additional information, you can follow her on Twitter (@donnaelliotttx), or you may e-mail her at donnaelliott38@gmail.com.