Quiet

 Be quiet. Be very, very quiet. They’re coming for us. That’s the instruction that keeps pounding through my head. Each pulse. Each breath. Quiet. Very, very quiet.
 
 The others are gone. Found long ago. I can only hope that they don’t rat me out. I remember Jake. He was a big mouthed moron. I hoped that his being stupid wouldn’t lead to me being found. I shudder. I would rather be dead than found.
 
 I remember when they found my brother, Terence. He’s only six. Innocent. That’s too young. Too young to have the future yanked out from under him. I can remember hearing his screams. He put up a struggle-a good fight any kid would’ve been proud of. He’s gone. He’s gone, and I’m not sure when I’ll ever see his stupid, grinning face, so innocent. I’m not sure if I’ll ever see him again.
 
 No. No, now isn’t the time to get sentimental. Concentrate.
 
 The darkness swirls around me, making shapes.
 
 Wait.
 
 My breath catches. I can hear them. Murmurs. Quiet murmurs. There’s a click. There’s a click, and suddenly, the world explodes into noise. Still, I can’t hear what they’re saying over my own heartbeat. I close my eyes. They can’t see me. I can’t let them. I can’t be found too. If they found me, I don’t know how I’d ever live it down.
 
 Murmurs. More murmurs. I can feel it coming. The darkness is electric. I close my eyes and keep my head down. And I feel it.
 
 I’m visible. Drenched in light. Drowning. The light is too loud.
 
 “Found you!” Jessica squeals. I look up slowly. Too loud.
 
 “I told you there was one more in here. I toldja!” A pause. “Get out of the hamper.”
 
 “No!” I say. Defiant. They won’t get to me.
 
 “You take hide and seek too seriously, Chris. C’mon. We’re starting another game.”
 Trying to tempt me.
 
 “No!” I reach down and grab the lid, pulling it back on the hamper. I grab my legs and stare at the shapes of the clothing around me. The lights go out. Click. The door shuts. I take a breath and tighten my arms around my legs. Secure.
 
 Be quiet. Be very, very quiet.