The Last World Read Online Free Page A

introduction. It was his way of fighting back for having his thunder stolen.
    Franklin nodded . “No, thank you. I’m fine.” As he began to follow the one named Horace he realized Steve was a key. For what he didn’t know.
     
    *****
     
    The Thunderbird proved to be easy to move. Despite the hellaciousness of the crash, it was still drivable with the front end crushed and mangled. Still, Horace felt it wise for the three of them to remain together. Their passenger seemed the non-violent sort, but with his obvious head injury he could have a seizure, amorism, or even a burst of energy he couldn’t control.
    Horace remembered seeing an episode on a science channel discussing the varying aspects of head injuries. None of them sounded very pleasant to experience or deal with as an outside party. With those shows and his own fears in mind, Horace took his seat in the front with Franklin in the back. Not an ideal s eating plan by any means, but it’d keep the man they found from trying to open the door or grab the steering wheel in a sudden act of suicide. Of course, he could lean forward and rip their eyes out but Horace did his best to not visualize that image.
    Franklin hadn’t put up a fuss about being in the back . In fact, he welcomed it, or so it seemed to Horace. Every so often Horace glanced back to check on him, and each time Franklin said he was fine. Even the confused look in his eyes went away. It was because he hit his head, Horace reasoned. S uch a thing was liable to screw up anyone’s mind.
    Steve was enjoying himself. His earlier fear over killing someone in the accident was long forgotten. His focus was on helping their new friend get the help he needed. Every so often he’d check the rearview mirror to see if Franklin was alright. Horace’s questions weren’t enough for him since Steve was the type that needed to see something to believe in it. It was a trait he developed when he learned Santa Clause didn’t exist. Since that day twelve years earlier, he never believed what someone told him except for Horace. Steve trusted his friend more than anyone else, and he’d been in a few altercations defending him.
    “Where’re you from? Horace and me are born and raised in Tarken Heights.” Steve’s voice was pleasant without the worry Horace’s carried.
    It took Franklin a moment to realize he was being spoken to. After a pause, he shrugged. “Settler’s Grove. I was heading upstate when my tire blew and you found me.” A nice way to say you hit my car, asshole. He wanted to lash out, but something held him back. He knew he shouldn’t blame them. After all, he did leave his car in the middle of the road. Why did he do that? The answer remained just outside of his reach.
    Steve gave a sheepish look to him from the corner of his eye. “Yeah… Sorry about that. Good thing it happened, though. I mean… so you don’t have to drive with that bump on your head.”
    Horace winced and wanted to palm his head. Steve meant well, he just wasn’t well-spoken at times. To his surprise, their passenger nodded his understanding.
    “I appreciate your help.” Franklin paused before continuing. “My insurance is up to date , so it shouldn’t cause you any problems.” Was he actually saying this? My God, I must‘ve hit my head harder than I thought!
    Steve smiled , feeling relieved. “That’s good to hear but I’m not worried. You’re an all right fellow, Frank.”
    Frank? Of all the names he could’ve been called, it had to be the one he hated most. Somehow, and for reasons he didn’t understand why, he smiled. With nothing more to say, Franklin closed his eyes. He needed rest and it provided the perfect excuse to not have to listen to them for awhile. He didn’t hate them, he was just tired.
    What’s this place? Where am I? As before, Franklin found himself surrounded by a brilliant white light without being blinded when he closed his eyes. He strode forward, each step was a gentle test for