Free Out There by Simi Prasad Page A

idea.”
    â€œWait, how did you even get in here?” She looked around trying to figure it out.
    â€œI climbed through the window, but that’s beside the point.” “Fine, let’s hear your mastermind idea that couldn’t have waited until the morning.”
    â€œIf we want to know what’s outside the Bubble then there’s only one way to find out…”
    â€œI don’t see how this is related to our conversation at the café, but go on.”
    â€œWe have to go outside!” I exclaimed, jumping slightly.
    â€œOutside what?”
    â€œThe Bubble!”
    â€œAre you crazy?”
    â€œNo! I’m totally serious.”
    â€œMaybe you didn’t really wake me up, maybe this is all a dream.”
    â€œKatelyn, it’s not funny, I mean it.”
    â€œWhat, you just want the two of us to waltz outside of the Bubble into the unknown because you’re a little curious?”
    â€œWell, not just the two of us, I thought Lexi, Jade and Bri might want to come too.”
    â€œYou really are crazy. Who is going to want to go outside of the Bubble? Especially at this time of night.”
    â€œYou?”
    She snatched the blanket out of my hands. “I’m going to sleep.”
    â€œNo!” I grabbed it back. “Please Katelyn, for me? Haven’t you ever wondered what’s out there?”
    â€œHow would we even get outside the Bubble? Have you thought of that?”
    â€œDon’t worry, I’ve got it all covered.”
    She stared at me for what felt like forever. I chewed my lip and waited for her to say something.
    â€œFine. But only because I have to make sure you don’t do anything stupid.”
    I threw my arms around her tiny body. “Kay, you’re the best.”
    â€œUhuh, let’s just go.”
    Soon she was changed and we were sneaking out of her window back on to the street. When we got there, Bri was huddled up in her thin jacket waiting for us.
    â€œWait, you already convinced Bri?” Katelyn said as she saw her.
    â€œWell, did you expect me to get you then go back for her when she lives next door?”
    Bri gave a little wave and said, “Hey Katelyn.”
    â€œHey,” Katelyn said and waved back. “So remind me again Bri, why are we friends with the crazy lady?”
    I gave Katelyn a light shove. “Listen, when my idea works you’ll all be eating your words.”
    â€œAnd when it doesn’t work, you’ll be getting your own cake.” She linked arms with Bri. “Come on, let’s go get the others.”

    Before I knew it, all five of us were on the tram heading towards the furthest part of the city. The carriage was completely deserted and the others were practically falling asleep on each other. When we reached our stop I had to peel them off the seats and almost carry them out of the tram.
    We crossed the street and walked along the row of houses until we found an opening. It was a tiny alley, only big enough to walk through sideways. We slipped through one by one and I received several complaints from the others about the whole thing being unreasonable.
    Behind the last row of houses was grass and a few trees scattered around. When I looked over my shoulder I noticed that there weren’t any windows at the back of any of the houses.
    Quietly, the five of us walked across the grass until we reached a thick row of hedges.
    â€œYou sure this is it?” Jade asked.
    â€œYeah, I can see the Bubble wall behind it.” I pointed for them to look.
    They all followed my finger and sure enough there was a glowing clear wall curving up from behind the hedge. I forced my way through the thick bushes and the others followed suit. On the other side was just grass for about two metres and one short but thick tree off to the left. The Bubble was very visible in the night, like holding up a piece of glass, yet it seemed to radiate a clear light. The only thing