Imagine Me marks the end of Tahereh Mafi’s dystopian epic.
Here’s a preview of where things are headed.
The following is an excerpt fromImagine Me, the sixth and final book inTahereh Mafi’s best-sellingShatter Meseries.
Tahereh Mafi: Imagine Me.Credit: Harper Collins
The novel publishes March 31, and isavailable for pre-order.
**
Hey, I call out.
Im still sprinting after Warner and, in a move that surprises absolutely no one, he doesnt wait.
He doesnt even slow down.
In fact, Im pretty sure he speeds up.
I look around as I go, trying to take in the details.
The sky is bluer than Ive ever seen it.
Theres no cloud in sight for miles.
Regardless, I take a deep breath.
I was getting claustrophobic in the dining hall, spending endless hours with the ill and injured.
The smells were intense, too.
It was making my head swim.
Its nice out here, even if its a little hot in this outfit.
Im wearing a pair of old fatigues I found in my room.
Warner, on the other hand
I squint at his retreating figure.
I cant believe he still hasnt taken a shower.
Hes still wearing Haiders leather jacket, but its practically destroyed.
His hair is wild.
His boots are dull.
And somehowsomehowhe still manages to look put together.
I dont get it.
I slow my pace when I pull up next to him, but Im still power walking.
Hey, I say, pinching my shirt away from my chest, where its starting to stick.
The weather is getting weirder; its suddenly sweltering.
I wince upward, toward the sun.
Here, within the Sanctuary, Ive been getting a better idea of the state of our world.
The truth, on the other hand, is that theyre only reparably bad.
Hey, I say again, this time clapping Warner on the shoulder.
He shoves off my hand with so much enthusiasm I nearly stumble.
Okay, listen, I know youre upset, but
Warner suddenly disappears.
Hey, where the hell are you going?
I shout, my voice ringing out.
Are you heading back to your room?
Should I just meet you there?
A couple of people turn to stare at me.
Like Im the weirdo.
Leave him alone, someone hisses at me.
I roll my eyes.
Heydouche bag, I shout, hoping Warners still close enough to hear me.
I take a sudden, terrified step backward.
If you value your life, he says, dont come near me.
Im about to point out that hes being dramatic, but he cuts me off.
I didnt say that to be dramatic.
I didnt even say it to scare you.
Im saying it out of respect for Ella, because I know shed rather I didnt kill you.
Im quiet for a full second.
And then I frown.
Are you fing with me right now?
Youre definitely fing with me right now.
Warners eyes go flinty.
That scary kind of crazy.
I want to sever your carotid artery.
I want to rip out your vertebrae, one by one.
You have no idea what it is to love her, he says angrily.
You couldnt even begin to imagine.
So stop trying to understand.
Wow, sometimes I really hate this guy.
Its oddly satisfying.)
But then I remember that we need this asshole, and that Js life is on the line.
The fate of the world is on the line.
So I fight back my anger and give it another spin.
Listen, I say, making an effort to gentle my voice.
I know what you guys have is special.
I know that I cant really understand that kind of love.
I can tell just by the sound of his voice that hes not joking.
This is the data Ive been missing.
This is the source of the agony thats been drowning him.
I scan the immediate area for eavesdroppers.
Too many new members of the Warner fan club clutching their hearts.
Come on, I say to him.
Im taking you to lunch.
Warner blinks, confusion temporarily clearing his anger.
And then, sharply: Im not hungry.
I look him up and down.
He looks goodhe always looks good, the assholebut he looks hungry.
You havent eaten anything in days, I say to him.
He glares at me.
Come on, bro.
You want J to come home to skin and bones?
The way youre going, shell take one look at you and run screaming in the opposite direction.
This is not a good look.
All these muscles need to eat.
I poke at his bicep.
Warner jerks away from me and takes a long, irritated breath.
The sound of it almost makes me smile.
Feels like old times.
I think Im making progress.
Because this time, when I tell him to follow me, he doesnt fight.
