[ WP ] The year is 2284 . The United States officially recognizes every person over the age of 65 to be a worthless sponge of resources . Tell the story of a smuggler who makes a living by concealing the elderly .

Another pass. We just have to wait for that search light to pass. This is going to be a while. Not that I could complain. This gives me enough time to patch myself up. Seriously, this old man is giving me a hard time. Just looking at the sag across his sorry eyes pisses me off. 
 
 `` Staring at my wounds wo n't make it go away, old man.'' I complained at him. 
 He sat there like a bad puppy, feeling sorry for himself. He's not the one to blame, though, I brought this to myself. 
 
 Thirteen years it has been. Back and forth I go in and out of that godforsaken institution, taking old people out of the country borders. Why I'm doing this is a reason I long forgot. Perhaps being with old people all the time sharpens you're memory to a bowling ball. 
 
 Thirteen years I worked at the institution. It paid well. I have a flat, and good food. Just the basics in life. The tight security of the institution does make me unease a little. I know they're suspecting me. Over and over they questioned me. I was always clean. I leave no traces behind. If so much as a bread crumb hits the floor, I'd lick it if I had to. That all changed tonight, though. 
 
 `` Oy, old man! D'you reckon your legs could carry you all the way?'' I said to my package. 
 `` Worry not, sonny. I still have some grease in these joints. You on the other hand, can you still make it back?'' He glimpsed at my wounds. 
 `` Do n't sweat it old man. There's no reason to come back anyway. I messed up big time. By the commotion we caused, there's no reason why the state wo n't place a bounty on my head. My life at the institution is over. Perhaps, my entire life as well.'' 
 There was silence for a moment, then he spoke 
 `` You are far too young to be that cynical, sonny. Youth is still on your side. Where you're feet can take you is where you can go roots. Old men like me do n't have much left in the world. Our roots are pruned. While you still have yours, you can still hope.'' 
 
 What is this old geezer talking about? I gave him a smirk, and dried my eyes a bit. 
 Hope, huh? Yeah, that's what I held on to back at the institution. We took care of retired men and women from their sixty's until they reached 65 when they are culled from society. Thirteen years I took care of them. Some memorable, others quiet, while others refused being taken care of at all. I held on to hope that these people still has something for the world, and I hoped one day I could get them all out. So many slipped through my fingers like sand. A handful of others, I managed to smuggle them out. It was risky business. No nurse should ever go through what I've been to. More and more they came to the institution, seemingly never receding in number. I was getting the idea that I'll never finish what I set out to do. 
 
 This old man will be my last package delivery. 
 
 That hole is the way. Just a mere 40 meters away from this hellhole to salvation. I could crawl through with him. My life is dead in here after all. But I choose to stay. His words of hope might bear fruit some day. I'll find root where my feet could take me. 
 
 `` Old man, it's almost time. Once the search light makes another turn, you run towards the hole, you understand? It's a 30-second window, so make it quick. I'll be the distraction.'' I said as I noticed the military activity ahead. 
 `` I will nevet forget your kindness, sonny.'' He whispered to me. 
 `` Yeah yeah, just wait for my go alright?'' 
 
 Another pass. My blood has gone cold. It's now or never. This may actually be my last delivery. Just another pass, and— 
 
 `` Go now!'' I commanded the old man as I ran towards the patrols. 
 
 He ran as fast as his legs could. Right before he entered the hole, I shouted at the top of my lungs, `` I'll keep hoping, old man!'' 
 
 He disappeared into darkness. Just knowing he's safe was enough to justify these bullet holes. A light shone on me as I fell to the ground. I was then reminded of my last regret in life. Perhaps what I should have shouted was, `` Happy 65th birthday, dad...''
