Don’t think of the past. Put it behind you. Put behind you the happy little girl you used to be, before the world died. Don’t think about Mommy, her happiness, her warmth, her compassion. Her weakness. Don’t think about the elevator.

            And while you’re chasing Jarod, don’t think about the little boy you used to play with, the one you could tell things to. Don’t think about your first kiss. Don’t think about him shouting to go to you when they dragged you away from Mommy in the elevator. Don’t think about your friend. Don’t think about the past. Don’t.