Docile by K. M. Szpara

Author:K. M. Szpara [Szpara, K. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781250216144
Google: 7PprwwEACAAJ
Amazon: 125021615X
Goodreads: 40522814
Publisher: Tor.com
Published: 2020-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

“The fresh air will do you good.”

I stare at my running shoes, bright aqua against the unfinished wood floor. Nora and my mother sit opposite me, legs folded, hands clasped.

“Those are pretty, Elisha.” Mom smiles.

I say, “Thank you,” but don’t move.

“Why don’t you put them on,” Nora says. “See how they feel.”

Put them on. An easy command. I slip the right one over my sock and tighten the laces. The light material hugs my foot. “Thank you, that does feel nice.” The other feels even better. Almost like I can jog downstairs, grab a protein drink, and run around the harbor.

I pinch my lips together. This can never be home. Not because we don’t have a second floor, or a fancy refrigerator, or because the harbor is any nicer than the reservoir. But because Alex won’t be here when I return.

“Go!” Nora slaps my back. “And don’t come back till you’ve run around the entire reservoir.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I stand and adjust my workout clothes. The tight spandex comforts me, like someone holding me.

The sun will be setting soon—hopefully not too soon. I used to be able to predict the sunset, but city lights changed that. Out here, I wouldn’t be able to see my path if it weren’t for the neon light my shoes give off. My feet are the loudest things on the road.

I run.

I run even though I don’t know where I am or how far I’ve gone. I run until I lose my rhythm and can no longer count my breaths against my footfalls. I run until I can feel each swollen toe throb against my shoes. I have to stop, but I can’t. Need to build my stamina. How far is the city?

When I walked to the ODR, the first time, it took me ten hours. Twenty minutes per mile, about thirty-five miles. I can run a five-minute mile, but not for that long. If I pace myself, maybe nine minutes times thirty-five miles. That’s five and a quarter hours. Only five and a quarter hours separates me from Alex.

I slow to a stop beside the faded red barn. It’s too dark to run anymore, tonight. Maybe tomorrow. If I reach the apartment, Tom might let me in. But would Alex even take me?

“Excuse me.”

I jerk upright and search for the voice in the dark.

“Sorry.” A woman in a cheap pants suit emerges from the barn with a tablet under her arm and a stylus stuck through her ponytail. “Didn’t mean to scare you. I was just finishing up work—it’s too dark even with a lantern.” She holds up one of the LED lanterns Empower Maryland gives out to communities who can’t afford utilities.

When I still don’t respond, she walks closer, shines the light on her rosy cheeks and frazzled hair. “You’re Elisha, right?”

“Yeah.”

She nods, knowingly. Does everyone know? I don’t want to deal with their questions and prying.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“I’m fine,” I say so she’ll leave me alone.

“Okay.” She pulls a small card out of her back pocket and hands it to me.

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