• Chapter 1

    I, as a fact, will always win in the end. No one can escape me. It is a shallow fact of life. No one will get out of it alive. Even when you cheat me hundreds of times, you can’t live forever. And when I comes a calling, well, you better be ready. One child has managed to escape me decades of times. He never realizes how close he comes to following me. Yes, as Death, this child annoys me. Countless trips I have taken to carry his soul away, and he always seems to defeat me. Nevertheless he interested me. Each day I found myself watching out for him, just to see if he was out there. I collected many stories about him. He had three qualities about him. One, he was a fighter, two, he was kind, and three, he had an anger that could set off at any time. That is where my story begins.
    Each second is like a ticking time bomb, I realized. I could go off at any time, any place! I had to get out of here. If anyone approached me at this time, I would probably punch them in the face, or do worse. People don’t realize what they have done to me. They have turned me into a monster. I haven’t always been this way, but people of this world drove me to be crazy. Now, with the government on my back, I have to hide. I was probably all over the News. I could see it now: Noah Waton wanted for murder of classmate John Reed. Suspect has red hair, small, scrawny, but he is muscular. Suspect could be anywhere from California to Florida. Very dangerous. What they didn’t know was that in New York there were many places to hide. The only reason I killed Johnny was because he was pushing me around, he pushed me too far. I was tired of being picked on by all the kids at school because I was small. Those kids were stupid. I might have been small, and smart, but I could lift anyone of those kids in the air and slam him down on his head. Johnny though, what he tried to do was horrible, he wouldn’t have gotten in trouble for doing it. If he didn’t get caught. I wanted to make him pay. Therefore, I did. I killed him with my own two hands, and right now, they were in trouble.
    I lifted the lid of a sewer drain, and crawled down into the hole. It might stink down here, but it isn’t used anymore, and nobody would think to look for a fourteen-year-old killer in the sewers. I walked over to my backpack that I took with me from that day.
    I had run home after beating Johnny up to wash his blood off my clothes. Soon after, I heard sirens. I grabbed my backpack, and emptied it on the floor. Then I stuffed clothes and food inside, not even bothering to see what I had brought. I remember running out the back door, and riding my bike along the back roads trying to stay out of sight. I rode a long way, and after a while my bike chain broke. I left it behind, journeying towards New York, where I knew I’d be safe.

    Chapter 2

    I slung the backpack over my shoulders as I walked through the sewers towards another opening. I heard police sirens coming from the street above, and I knew they were probably looking for me. A couple hours later, I climbed out of my hidden tunnel, and realized I was outside of a bar. I searched through the dumpster at the back of the building, but there was only garbage. Nothing to eat, nothing that I could sell, just plain old garbage. I looked towards the street. All was quiet. I knew I was in the bad side of town; it wasn’t this quiet at six o’clock downtown. I heard something rustle in a box near the street.
    I walked towards the box, only to be scared by an old man who came crawling out of the box begging me for money. I quickly told him I had no money. He seemed to believe me, looking at my dirty, ruffled jeans, and grubby hair. I continued down the alley, only to be stopped by a man. I could tell he had just come out of the bar, because he was drunk. I considered jumping him, I was sure the man in the box would help me, but I decided that it wouldn’t be right, so I tried to step around him. “Where are you going, boy?” he said. “You look like that kid from the news. That Noah kid.” “Yes.” I said. “There was a big reward for finding you, but I think I would rather have a little fun with you before I turn you in.” He said. Then he reached for me. I ducked out of his way. “Aw come on. I won’t hurt ya.” He grabbed for me again. This time he caught my backpack. He pulled my face close to his. I could smell the alcohol on his breath. “I just want to play with you a little bit.” He said. I knew something bad was gonna happen, but I wasn’t going to stick around to find out what. I took his arm and flipped him on his back. I went to run, but he grabbed my leg. I punched him in the nose, and then kicked at his sides. He shouldn’t have messed with me. I was like a fuse ready to blow. I had let him off with a warning, but he didn’t take it. He was asking for it. I kicked and punched harder. I just couldn’t stop. Finally, I got to my feet. “Oh no.” I thought. I did it again.
    I reached down to see if the guy was breathing. He wasn’t. The guy from the box looked at me, and then the guy. He ran away, probably for help. I started running towards the street, even though I knew I should have been going towards the sewer. Now, they would know I had killed him. I heard sirens wailing. I kept on running. I saw a police car pull out behind me. I still kept running. “Stop! Or I will be forced to shoot!” I heard the police officer say in the bullhorn. “We can’t shoot at him! He’s only a kid.” I heard another person say. I kept running. “Well, then why did you tell Dexter to bring him back dead or alive.” They were arguing now. “How professional” I thought. Out of nowhere, another cop car came at me. I was about to be sandwiched. I still kept running. I heard another cop car start shooting at me. I pushed myself to go faster. Then as I turned onto a main street sidewalk, I ran into a gang. I ran through them, but then I heard a cop say, “Get him!” I heard a single gunshot, and then all of a sudden, I was falling towards the sidewalk. I felt myself hit it. It didn’t hurt, nothing did. I vaguely remember the coolness of it, and the way the loose rocks smashed against my face. Then, I remembered nothing.
    “Good work boys.” One police officer said. “That was a good shot.” Another police officer pulled up the body. Blood soaked the back of his T-shirt and hair. “I don’t understand. What did he do?” One woman asked from the crowd that was forming. “He beat up his classmate to death, and then did the same to an intoxicated man. We have information of this kid having trouble controlling his temper.” The officer replied. “How do you know that his killings weren't for self-defense? You said that the man he jumped was drunk.” She said. “I don’t know, lady. I don’t know.” He said.
    Eventually everyone left. Everyone, that is, except the old man who came out after the police left to inspect Noah's bloody body. Which, an irresponsible police officer had left behind. The old man went over to Noah, and pressed his ear against his chest. He heard a steady thump, thump, thump coming from the boy who was said to be dead. Using all his strength, the old man grabbed Noah's arms, and started pulling him towards his box.

    Chapter 3

    “Ugh, what happened?” I asked with my eyes closed. “You’ll be alright. I removed the bullet from your shoulder. So you should be fine.” A voice said. I didn’t recognize it. I opened my eyes, and found myself staring into the eyes of the hobo I saw before. “Um, hello.” I said. “Hi, I’m Pete. The police in this city are just plain stupid. They left you here.” “Oh. Yeah. I heard them arguing. And uh, I’m Noah.” I said. “Nice to meet you Noah. I removed the bullet from your arm. So it should heal quickly.” Pete said. I nodded. “Um, thanks for taking care of me and all, but I really have to go.” I said. “Why? The police aren’t after you no more since they think your dead.” Pete said. “Yeah, but I have my own road to go by.” I explained. “okay suit yourself.” Pete called as I walked towards the sewer lid.
    I walked down the sewers realizing my arm really hurt. I ignored the pain for awhile until I found my backpack hidden in one of the tunnels. I stopped and sat down next to it. Then I picked up the sleeve of my shirt gingerly, and took a peek at the damage. It wasn’t too bad of a wound, but it stung a lot. I reached into my bag and took out a water bottle. I unscrewed the cap and washed out the gash in my shoulder. Then I rested against the wall, and fell into a restless sleep.
    I woke up to the sound of rumbling above me. “They must be street cleaning today” I said to myself, walking towards the nearest exit. I climbed up the ladder, and lifted the lid off the ground. I peeked out of the hole before checking to get out, and came face to foot with a police officer’s boot. “Hey!” Cried the officer. “That’s the kid! Except he’s not dead! Get him!” I ducked back into the hole, and jumped down from the ladder. I had to move fast, knowing it would probably take the police five minutes to get down here. I grabbed my backpack and ran.
    I could hear the officer’s footsteps behind me. Every once in a while he would manage to yell a “Stop!” but mostly I just heard panting. Soon after the officer had come down, many other men followed him. I don’t even think half of them were policemen. I think they just wanted to form an angry mob, although none of them are exactly cross country material. I wasn’t even breaking a sweat yet, but yet they were gasping for air. My one other advantage was that I had my night vision from being in here for so long, and they didn’t, they also couldn’t navigate the tunnels even if they tried. I quickly veered off to the right, and left those losers in the wild pursuit of catching nothing, but running for hours before reaching the river.

    Chapter 4

    I quickly found an exit, not bothering to check for people seeing me outside. Half of New York City was probably in the tunnels looking for me anyway. Instead, I pushed up the lid real fast and pulled myself into another alley. It was dark out, meaning we had been running for a long time. I spotted a dumpster at the end of the alley. I could smell food radiating out of it. I hadn’t eaten in so long. I quickly ran to the dumpster and pulled out half a pizza still in it’s box. It tasted better than any pizza I had ever ate. I took out an old rag from the dumpster and tied it to the ladder leading out of the sewer. I wanted to mark this place. “What are you doing?” Asked a small voice.
    I jumped. “Who’s there?” I asked. “Just me.” Said a voice, coming from the dumpster. I looked inside, but all I saw was a small Chiwawa puppy. “Hi I’m Cookie.” Said the dog. “What!? How… That’s….Impossible! How can you talk?” I asked. “How can you talk?” She said back. “Because I’m a human. Humans talk. Dogs don’t.” I answered. Was I going crazy? “Why not? Dogs are just as smart as humans. Maybe smarter. You just were lucky to have thumbs.” She said. “Ok, Cookie. Why don’t all dogs talk?” “Because we don’t choose to. Except for Doberman’s, they are to brainless to talk in full sentences. Oh, but they do know when to fight.” Cookie answered. “Ok, would you like to be my companion as I run away from the cops?” I asked her. “Sure, why not? I have nothing else to do.” She said.
    “So where are we going?” Cookie asked for the twentieth time today. “To my Uncle Rob’s, I have been living in the sewers the past few months because he has been away. Now I think he is back, and the cops know I have been in the sewers now so they will be guarding it. My uncle won’t turn me in though.” I told her. I had already explained my story to her. She didn’t seem to mind my anger issues though, but that was the beauty of a dog. “Here we are.” I said, stopping in front of one of the worst apartments in New York.
    “In there?” Cookie asked. I nodded. “Ew.” She said as I opened the door to step inside the urine smelling lobby. I walked over to the stairs and motioned for Cookie. “How do you know where to go?” She asked. “I spent a couple summers here with him. He’s a… messy guy. He collects junk.” I said. “Go figure, your parents sent you here?” She said. “No, the orphanage did when my parents died in a car crash, but they said he was an unfit guardian and took me away.” “Oh,” Cookie said as I knocked on Uncle Rob’s door. “Here goes nothing” I thought.

    Chapter 5

    “Noah! You’re here!” Cried Uncle Rob when he saw me. “The cops want you.” He said. “I know. I’ve been running. I came to you cause know you wouldn’t turn me in.” I said. “Of course not! You can stay here till the heat dies down.” Uncle Rob said. Only he would say that to his nephew running from the law. “The government is real strict these days Noah. You kill one person, and the whole country goes ballistic. You’re on America’s Most Wanted.” He said. “Really? That’s a first.” I said, grinning. Only we could be joking about something this serious. “Oh yeah, Uncle Rob, this is Cookie. Cookie, this is Uncle Rob.” I said. “Nice to meet you Cookie.” Uncle Rob said in a talking-to-babies voice. “Nice to meet you too.” Said Cookie. “Holy Crap! Did that dog just talk?” He shouted. I nodded. “Whoa. That is awesome!” He cried. Cookie rolled her eyes. “I’m gonna hit the hay, Kay’?” I said. “Yeah, me too.” Said Cookie. “Sure, I was just going to work at the store anyway. Night.” And with that Uncle Rob left. “He doesn’t seem to want to let go of his teenage years.” Said Cookie yawning. Actually, Uncle Rob looked like he was still in college. He still had dark brown hair and the beautiful blue eyes he had when he was in high school. Although he did put on a little weight. To me he looked good. “Nope.” I said anyway closing my eyes.
    When I woke up the next morning I felt better than I had in months. The light streamed through the windows, and onto Uncle Rob’s junk. He sure had a lot of it. He had old ash trays, and pictures, trophies, and art. And lots of twisted up metal. It was a dump in here. I got up and stretched. Cookie stirred in her sleep. I tiptoed into the bathroom and shut the door. Then I turned on the shower and cleaned myself for the first time in three months.
    Steam filled the air when I stepped out of the shower. I wiped down the mirror with one of my towels, and stared at my reflection. I wondered if the cops would recognize me without dirt covering my face. I laughed to myself. Probably not. All of a sudden I felt a asthma attack coming on. I had packed my inhaler in my backpack, but that was in the other room. I staggered towards the door. I couldn’t breathe. I managed to throw open the door, and drag myself out of the heated room.
    “That was close.” Said Uncle Rob. “You could have died, and we wouldn’t have been able to take you to the hospital because they’d find you.” “I know Uncle Rob. I was lucky to have not fainted in the bathroom.” I said. I glanced down at my towel, still wrapped around my waist. “Can I go get some clothes on now?” I asked, heading towards the bathroom, but Uncle Rob stopped me. “Wait, not so fast. You need new clothes. You’ve been wearing those jeans for months. I’ll loan you some of my clothes for today, and we can disguise you up and take you shopping later.” He said. “Okay.” I said. Then Uncle Rob searched for his smallest clothes, and gave them to me. “From college.” He winked at me as I took the clothes and went into the bathroom.
    And that was where Noah escaped me once again. He almost died from that attack, but he was lucky, too lucky.




    Chapter 6


    “Can’t we take Cookie?” I whined, even though I knew I sounded like a stubborn child. “No, my boss wont let me take pets into the store since I let that monkey in there.” Uncle Rob said. Cookie looked up. “Where did you get a monkey?” She asked. “I have a friend at the zoo.” He replied nonchalantly, “Now let’s go.” “Okay I’m coming. Bye Cookie.” I said, waving. Then Uncle Rob shut the door behind me.
    “Really? Do you think I’m five?” I asked Uncle Rob when he showed me a shirt. “No need to be so picky. Pick out your own clothes.” He said. I pushed passed him, “Fine.” I said. Soon I had our cart filled up with clothes. “Don’t forget to get underwear.” Uncle Rob reminded. “I won’t, Geez.” I said. An hour later, we were lugging big Kohl’s bags into the subway. “Thank you Uncle Rob.” I said. “Anything for you, little guy.” He said, which was my codename for Noah. Uncle Rob has never called me ‘little guy’ before. “Aw, how nice.” A women said next to us. She glanced at her son, “I wish my boy was as thankful as yours.” she said, as me and her son rolled our eyes. They spent the rest of the time sharing our childhood stories with each other. Soon, we were back at Uncle Rob’s apartment.
    “Did you have fun?” Cookie asked when we opened the door. “Yep. Lots” I said sarcastically. “Did you bring me a bone? Chew toy? Food?” She asked. “Yes, we got you everything you need to live here.” Uncle Rob said. “Good she said, and plopped down on the couch. All of a sudden there was a knock on the door.
    “Open up. Police!” was the voice that came with the knock. “Noah! Hide! Shove all of your things into a drawer, then hide in a cabinet. Hurry!” Uncle Rob whispered. “Cookie, act like an normal dog.” He said running to get the door. “Get ready.” Then he swung open the door. “Hello boys! What brings you to my crappy condo?” Uncle Rob asked. “We were told that Noah could be hiding in your house.” One of the officers told him. “What are you? Nazis? Searching my house for a Jewish man?” Uncle Rob joked. “We are allowed a search of you home, Sir.” The other officer said. “Okay, search away!” I had never thought of Uncle Rob as an actor before, but he was really good. I tried not to make any noise in the cabinet I was hiding in, but it was cramped. I managed to stay quiet though. Hours later, the cops left, without finding me or my stuff. The police here were stupid.

    Chapter 7

    “Okay, Noah. You can come out now.” Uncle Rob said. “I crawled out of the cabinet. “It is really cramped in there.” I said. “Sorry.” Said Uncle Rob. “Uncle Rob, I need to leave.” I finally said. “Leave?” He repeated. “Yes, I’m putting you in danger. I’ll just pack up, and hitchhike to Nashville.” I said. “ Are you sure you want to? I can drive you?” He said. “No, the cops will be watching you. I need to go alone. I’ll leave now. Sorry, and thanks.” I said, and began to pack. “I’m coming. Right?” Said Cookie. “Of course.” I said. I picked up my bag, full of clothes and food and dog food. “Bye, Thanks.” I said and hugged Uncle Rob.
    Cookie and I hopped trains to Nashville, sleeping in the boxcars, and eating sparingly. The law was our common predator, and it was everywhere. It wasn’t until the second day when waiting in the trees waiting for a train to come when I realized I had forgotten my inhaler. I calmed myself, and tried to forget about it. When I told Cookie she wanted to go back. I think she got attached to Uncle Rob, but we pressed on. I didn’t need my inhaler, I had the fresh Tennessee air!
    When we came close to Nashville we decided just to walk, thinking it wouldn’t be to far. Too bad as city creatures we didn’t know that walking in the country was like walking in a rainy desert, everything was far apart. Soon we came upon an old gas station right outside of the town. It was a perfect home for us. I left Cookie there and went into town wearing sunglasses and a hat to cover my identity. I bought food and the necessities for us, and then left quickly. I returned home around twilight, where Cookie and I ate and stared at the stars.
    I felt a asthma attack coming. I woke up Cookie really fast. “Cookie run and get help!” I shouted. And she took off.
    “Bark, Bark!” Cookie yelled. She scratched at doors until lights were on all over the neighborhood. Then all the humans followed her to the old gas station where Noah was lying. “Oh my gosh! There’s a boy!” Different voices flooded the room. Soon the police and ambulance were there and lifting Noah’s unmoving form into the vehicle.
    “This child was very lucky, we were able to revive him in a day, but he was in a horrible condition. Don’t bombard him with questions yet men.” The Doctor told the policemen. “Okay, but when that kid gets out we have a lot of questions for him. And his dog.” One of the policemen said. “His dog?” The doctor asked. “Yes.” he said.
    And that is how Noah escaped me once again. His dreaded asthma was a threat for his life, but it wasn’t all he should have been worried about.

    Chapter 8

    When I woke up, everything was white. The walls, curtains, door, and even the bed was white. The only thing that wasn’t white was some equipment by the bed, and Cookie, who looked out of place in this room. “Good morning sunshine!” Shouted Cookie. “Shh, someone could hear you.” I said. “Relax, no one will hear me. See?” Cookie jumped up and started screaming the Star Spangled Banner. “Shut up! Someone’s coming.” I said. Cookie immediately laid down. “How are you doing Mr. Waton?” The doctor said, coming in. “Fine.” I lied. “Good. You have some visitors.” He said. “Okay, but why would someone come to visit me?” I asked. But the doctor was already gone.
    My ‘visitors’ turned out to be cops. They questioned me, and Cookie. They knew about Cookie’s ability because she escaped from the scientific testing facility in New York a few months back. Turns out she was a fugitive too. Finally the police left. “They are gonna put us behind bars when we get out of here!” Cookie yelled. “I know. Relax. We are on the first floor, we can hop out the window when night comes.” I explained. “Oh, I like the way you think.” She said.
    So after dinner, we gathered up our scraps of food, and stuffed them in my backpack that was left in the corner of the room. I found a new inhaler on the nightstand. I guess the doctor brought it in for me. I changed into jeans and a shirt, then started searching the room for some more useful items. I came across an old suitcase in the closet of the room. I quickly stuffed all my possessions into it, but I kept my backpack in case I needed it. Then I pulled the blanket off the bed and placed into the suitcase also. “Okay, let’s go.” I said, and picked up Cookie. I put her on the windowsill, and threw the suitcase over and into the grass. Then I grabbed Cookie again, jumping down to the ground.
    “Where are we going to go?” Asked Cookie. “I don’t know. Let me think.” I said. “Did you ever want to see the Grand Canyon?” I asked. “That’s in Arizona right?” Asked Cookie. “Yes.” I answered. “How will we get there!?” She shouted. “We can jump trains and sneak on buses can’t we?” I asked. “Okay. Fine. Whatever.” Cookie said. “Let’s go find the nearest train station.” I said.

    Chapter 9

    “Okay, so this train leaves at eight. Let’s get on this one.” I said. “Okay.” Cookie agreed. And that was it. We waited in the trees beside the train station waiting for the train to come so we could sneak on the caboose. “Are you sure I’m allowed on the train? Because this is the first passenger train we’ve been on.” Cookie asked. “Nobody rides in the caboose. I don’t think it’ll be a problem. Wait! I hear it.” I said.
    We hopped on the back of the train just as it was pulling off. The stationmaster had already gone around checking tickets, so we were safe in our seats in the caboose. I was right, no one wants to ride there. I soon fell asleep listening to the sound of the tracks moving under us.
    “Wake up!” Cookie shouted in my ear. “We are near Glendale, Arizona. This is where we get off.” I sat up and looked around. “Oh.” I said. “Yeah, oh. Now come on grab your stuff.” Cookie said. The train pulled into the station around nine o’clock in the morning. “Okay, maybe we can buy a hotel room, and jump out the window in the morning.” I said. “Then we wouldn’t have to pay rent.” “Good idea.” Cookie said. “How would I get in?” “You can hide in my backpack. I knew it would come in handy.” I said. “Okay.” She said.
    “Yes, I’d like one room please.” I said. “Okay, here ya go.” A bored receptionist said, handing me the key. I walked away, carrying my suitcase, and my backpack with Cookie trying not to squirm in it to room 512. “Here we are.” I said opening the door. I unzipped the backpack. “It’s hot in there.” Cookie gasped. “Sorry.” I apologized. “Let’s eat.”

    Chapter 10

    I was woken up in the middle of the night by a pain in my shoulder. I staggered into the bathroom to check my arm out in the mirror. When I lifted up the shirt sleeve I gasped when I saw the gash in my arm. It was infected. There was a red border around it, and it was swollen with pus leaking from it. I shouldn’t have trusted a hobo for surgery. I grabbed a washrag and covered it in cold water. Then I wrung it out over the cut on my arm. The injury stung terribly. Just rinsing it with cold water hurt. I needed a doctor. Fast.
    In the morning, I cleaned out my gash, and put on a bandage that I found in the bathroom drawer. Then we jumped out the hotel window, and landed on a bush. “Ow. Ouch! Get off my tail!” Cookie barked, literally. “Sorry.” I said. “What do we have here?” A police officer said. “Um, hello there.” I said. “You’re coming with me.” He said, grabbing my arm. “Ouch. Can you not touch that arm, it has an infection.” I asked. The police officer scowled at me. “Come on!” He said. Yanking me towards his car.
    “You’re in a lot of trouble.” An officer said. I was in a small room, like the ones on CSI. Cookie was taken away. I don’t know where. I didn’t know if I’d see her again. “Yeah, I know.” I answered. “You killed to people, broke out of a hospital, and tried to sneak out of paying for a hotel room. Do you know how long you can be put in for?” He asked. “I’m guessing a long time.” I said solemnly. “So you are sentenced to go to the Juvenile Detention Center until your eighteen, then you’ll go to jail.” He said. “yeah, I figured.” I said. And with that, I was taken out of the room.
    “The food here sucks.” I heard some kid say. I couldn’t tell which kid from which. We were all the same with our orange jumpsuits that criminals always wear. I stared at the food that was supposed to be macaroni. It looked more like broccoli to me. “Hey. What are you in for?” A voice behind me asked. I turned around. “Me?” I asked. The kid nodded. “I killed two people and broke out of a hospital.” I said. “Nice.” The kid said. “I’m Tom. I’m in here for burning down my school.” He said. “Nice.” I said. We ate the rest of the time in silence.

    Chapter 11

    “Hey. Your cell is next to mine.” Tom said later when we were getting ready for bed. This place had so little people that each kid got his own cell. Of course all the girls lived on the other side of the building. “Yeah.” I said. I unbuttoned half of my jumpsuit to take a look at my arm. “Whoa! Where’d you get that?” Tom asked. “I got shot. And a hobo took the bullet out of my arm.” I answered. “Wow, that sucks.” He said. I nodded. “Shouldn’t you get that treated?” He asked. “Yeah , but the cops won’t allow it. They say that’s what hospitals are for, and since I didn’t stay in mine that this was my punishment.” I said. “Oh.” Tom said. “Lights out everyone.” Called a voice from the intercom. I laid down in my bed and closed my eyes.
    In the light of the new morning, my infection felt worse. I was beginning to come down with a fever and I was shaking. The guard allowed me to stay in my cell for the rest of the day. By dinnertime, I was throwing up. I heard the guards talking in the hallway. “What are we going to do with this kid?” Asked one of them. “I don’t know, but if he doesn’t get to a hospital fast, he’ll be dead.” The other one said. And with that I threw up again into the bucket.
    That night while I was asleep, a police officer came to my cell and unlocked it. “Come on, son. You need to get out of here. I’m taking you to the hospital.” He said. I managed a small “Mmph” but I could do no more. Finally the officer just carried me. I was half unconscious in the car.
    “Hey! We need to get this kid to a doctor fast!” Yelled the officer when he entered the hospital. “I’m sorry, but there’s a two hour wait for any doctor.” Said the receptionist. “Does this look like it can wait?” The officer held me up to the desk. “Okay, I’ll see if one is available.” She said turning away. “One is open. He’ll be waiting in room 432.” She said.
    “What seems to be the problem?” Asked the doctor when the officer ran into the room. “He has an infection in his shoulder. I think he’s dying.” The officer shouted. “He may have Sepsis. A syndrome that is caused by an infection in the skin or anywhere.” The doctor said. “Can you treat it?” Asked the officer. “I don’t know.” The doctor answered.

    Chapter 12

    I felt like I was floating on a cloud. One moment I was listening to the doctor talk, and the next minute I was floating above my body. I saw something move by the doorway. A black cloudy figure stood there. I recognized him from when I passed out from my asthma attacks. He was death. “What are you doing here?” I asked. Death moved closer to my body. “No! You can’t take me!” I shouted. I flew over to where he was standing. “I’ll fight you for my life.” I said. “As you wish. You won't escape me again.” Came the raspy voice from under the cloak. Suddenly we were in the middle of a canyon. The Grand Canyon.
    “I thought this would be an easier place to fight instead of that small room.” Death said. I stared intently at him. “Okay. I’m ready. Ding. Ding. Ding. Let’s fight.” He said. I lunged at him, knocking him to the dusty ground. “You will never win!” He laughed. I came at him again, punching and kicking him. But he never seemed to feel it. He just kept on laughing that evil laugh. Finally, I was worn down. I fell to my knees. “Round two.” The raspy voice said.
    Then we were standing in the alley where I was shot. “Do you remember this place?” Death asked. I nodded, getting to my feet. I grabbed a pipe from the ground and began bashing Death with it. He didn’t even flinch. Once again I fell to the ground, tired. “That’s two. Three strikes and your out.” Laughed Death.
    “Round Three!” We were at my old school’s playground. The place where I killed Johnny. “Yes, remember the way it felt to finally get him back after all those years, it will be the same feeling I will have when I finally defeat you!” This time, instead of waiting for me to attack him, Death came at me. I was to tired to dodge him, and his scythe cut my arm. Searing pain came, but I ignored it, getting to my feet. “It will be your blood that is mine!” I screamed, and ran at him. He snapped his fingers, an electric barrier came between us just as I was reaching him. I hit it, shocking myself. I collapsed to the ground, defeated. I felt another electrical shock go through me, and yet another, as I watched Death walk over to me. He pulled down his hood, revealing his head. His face was familiar, he was Uncle Rob. As I thought that name, one last electrical current went through my body.
    “Clear!” The doctor shouted. Noah’s body lay still on the medical table. “Clear!” The doctor yelled again and he brought the defibrillator down on Noah’s chest again, but it was too late. Noah was dead.