Cynthia sat down on the tracks, gasping for breath, "I can't go any further. Go on without me and I'll catch up." Blood trickled down her leg despite the shirt tied above the gash. She knew they had no chance of making it if they waited for her to limp along.

"We're not leaving you," said Tad. He was always the responsible one, but he made all of the decisions with his heart, not his head. Cynthia looked at Trish, knowing she'd be the one to make the decision that all knew must be made. She was younger, but somehow hardened to the world. Cynthia used to worry about her, but now she was thankful.

"Tad, we have to go." Trish said. Tad started to protest, but the words died as he realized the women were united against him. He knew when he was beat and didn't waste time trying to change their minds.

He knelt down by Cynthia and handed her his water canteen, "Make sure you drink it slowly. You need it to last." He kissed her cheek and brushed the dirt from his shorts.

Trish gave Cynthia a hug and brushed away a tear that dripped down her cheek. "I love you, Mom." she whispered.

"I love you too kid. Look after your brother."

Tad's shoulder were shaking and even with his back to her, Cynthia could tell he was crying. "Hey Tad, I'll catch up so make sure you save me a spot, son."

He nodded and they resumed their trip, running away from the fiery hell behind them. The ships had crashed from the sky over an hour ago and they knew, thanks to the government warning system, that the aliens had arrived from the Orion belt. The government had been able to fight them off in space for years, but they all knew that once they breached the defenses, the fight was practically over. The only hope for survival was to leave the populated areas and hope their focus didn't stray to the countryside.

Cynthia had family in the mountains and she prayed they would take the children in without question. She had been prepared to beg, but now all she could do was pray. Her leg was aching and she knew there was no way they'd make it far enough with her in tow. Instead, she headed back toward town, hoping that the aliens wouldn't pursue the children.