Noegenesis

I swallowed, wiping the sweat off my upper lip. "Johhnycake?" I said in a hoarse voice. "Johnny?" Johnny shifted around a bit, then opened his eyes. "Hey." He mumbled. "We won," I panted, hoping the news could fix him, even though I knew it wouldn't. "We beat the Socs. We stomped them – chased the outa our territory." Johnny didn't even try to force a smile. "Useless …fighting's no good…" The kid was as pale as New York snow. I licked my lips, trying not to seem nervous. "They're still writing editorials about you in the paper. For being a hero and all." I tried to control my talking, but I couldn't help it; this shouldn't