The Collection by Shannon Stoker Page B

around in the wind. Riley made a quick turn and spun the jeep back around. She sped up even more, but still the engine stayed at a dull hum. Soon they started slowing down. Riley turned the wheel left and Mia saw the patch of trees reappear. The vehicle slowed even more and Mia thought Riley was stopping too soon.
    â€œWhy don’t you pull it all the way in?” Mia asked.
    The dull hum was gone and Mia saw the buttons were no longer illuminated. They came to a full stop about ten feet away from Riley’s parking space.
    â€œThis is a broken car,” Riley said.
    She jumped out and Mia did the same. Riley was already at the rear pushing and Mia joined her.
    â€œCan you fix it?”
    â€œI already did,” Riley said. “Most cars are electric. In America you still use gasoline engines, which make more noise. I wish I had a backup tank now though. This vehicle’s electrical board is fried. I can get her to drive about five kilometers at the most before she dies. I’m proud of myself for that accomplishment.”
    â€œYou want me to learn to drive on a car that only goes five kilometers?” Mia asked.
    â€œNo,” Riley said. “I want you to learn to drive on a computer program I have in the shack. Then maybe test this out a little bit once you have some skills.”
    â€œHow will that help? Do you have a spare set of pedals in there too?” Mia asked.
    â€œDon’t be so wary of my technology,” Riley said. “All you need is a pair of glasses and the simulator program. Trust me.”
    Mia was hoping for the chance to drive all over the desert. She reminded herself these lessons weren’t about having fun; they were about saving her friends. She smiled at Riley as they pushed the car back through the trees. Even though it wasn’t what Mia had anticipated, she looked forward to working with the computer program.

Chapter 18
    America is the most physically fit country in the world. Citizens spend more time outside and engage in more physical activities, resulting in healthier people.
    â€” American Gazette
    The lines on Andrew’s hand were fascinating him. He liked to make his hand into a fist and watch the lines around his knuckles disappear and reappear. It was a distraction from the noise, but Andrew couldn’t be sure the loud music was still playing. He wasn’t sure of much anymore.
    He knew he must have slept at some point, and eaten too, but neither of these basic human acts was in his memory. Andrew decided Carter was long dead by this point. At first Andrew was grateful he was still alive, but then he started to think dying would be the less cruel fate.
    The noise quieted down. Andrew thought it might have been turned off, but the phantom sounds were still playing in his brain. He looked toward the bathroom door; it was still as pristine as the day he arrived here, whenever that was. The man dressed in a lab coat came in again. This was his eighth visit. Andrew thought that might mean he had been here for eight days, but it could have meant eight months.
    The first five times the man came into the room, Andrew had tried to attack him. Every time, the three men who escorted the doctor beat Andrew back. He was easily outmatched. His stomach was still sore from their punches.
    â€œGood morning,” the doctor said. “Or is it afternoon?”
    Andrew’s lips were dry. He wanted to speak, to hear the sound of his own voice, but he wasn’t sure he had one anymore. Two of the escorts came and grabbed Andrew off the floor. They hoisted him up and one pulled up the sleeve of his scrubs. Andrew looked as the doctor uncovered his tray. Each time before, there had been five needles. Five quick shots and Andrew was alone again. Today there was only one. He wondered if it was the final dose to end his suffering. The doctor loaded the syringe and walked toward Andrew. It was at this moment the fear of death crept over him. He