[i]Frank[/i]

Frank had well past hit his limit. Johnny was steadily pulling ahead, and Frank was either too winded or too proud to ask for a break. Then, a word shot through all the noise and chaos. The last word Frank expected to hear, honestly. 

Safe.

Frank came to a stop and immediately doubled over, gasping for breath.

[color=a36209]"John, wait!"[/color] he yelled between breaths. Once he'd caught his breath enough to stand upright, he turned to see who was trying to get his attention.

The scene was graphic and tragic. It was the first chance Frank got to see the carnage from a distance. And in the middle of his vision, almost framed by the chaos, was a young boy. A kid, looked no older than 18. And the look in his eyes. 

Somehow Frank almost convinced himself this was a dream. It wasn't real, or it was one of those viral video things he'd heard coworkers talk about. But the look of utter horror in this boy's eyes hit it home for Frank. He doesn't know why this is happening but he knows the rules have changed.

[color=a36209]"Did you say safe?"[/color]