The Rains

ENTRY 45

I’m dead.

There are Drones all around the cabin in every direction-above, below, both sides. They don’t know I’m here, not yet, but they’re walking in patterns through the woods, just like Mappers, leaving no stone unturned. Except this time the spiral’s not expanding.

It’s closing in.

I see them flickering behind the trees. I hear their boots trampling the underbrush. There is no way to slip through, not this time.

Every second brings them closer.

I won’t kill myself. After what the Rebel said, I know I owe it to everyone to try to stay alive as long as I can, but-

I just heard the barn door bang open. They’re probably searching the stable now. There’s nowhere for me to go. Nothing left to do. My only chance is if Patrick and Alex made it out. If they did, they’ll come for me. I know they will.

The problem is I probably can’t stay alive until they do.

I can’t help but think of the coming Hatch, those pulsing stomachs about to give birth to a new age. All the kids at the cannery I can’t help. The others around the world who I’ve failed. JoJo and Rocky and Eve, back at school, who I can’t even protect from Ben.

I’ve never been this scared.

I’m gonna hide this book now. If you’re the one who discovers it, find Patrick Rain. And give it to him. He’s the only one besides me who can carry out the mission, and he has to know everything. Pray he’s alive. He’s the last chance we’ve got.

Or I should say the last chance you’ve got. I don’t know what will happen to me, but judging from those kids I saw floating on the metal slabs, it won’t be good. If the Harvesters find out who I am, it’ll be even worse.

I can hear leaves crunching just beyond the front door. The Drones, taking their final turn around the house. They’re coming. They’re coming for me.

I only have time to scribble a warning on the front cover of my notepad. Please read this whole account and read it well.

Good-bye and good luck.

We’re counting on you.