War Within Us

chapter 16 . a long and alone walk

"You sure you got everything?"

I sighed, turning to my friend. "I'm saying this for the last time Lee, I checked my backpack just now. I have everything. I barely calmed down and you are making me nervous again."

It felt like we took turns being anxious. Rarely, when both me and Lee got nervous, it was like Esther turned her doctor mode on and tried to keep all of us calm. Other times, the roles were reversed.

"I've been there before, you don't always find what you are looking for. It is better to be prepared." Lee defended his behaviour.

"I'm sure the military won't leave me unattended."

Esther came into the kitchen where I was packing a bottle of water and some bread to eat.

" I'm sure she can handle herself Lee. Leave the girl alone."

Lee turned around, mumbling to himself something that I couldn't understand. He disappeared into his room.

Esther caught my attention before I could call for Lee.

"You have an hour left. How are you feeling?" She came closer to give my shoulder a brief squeeze.

"I'm fine. I know I am well prepared. I was told what to do in case of any emergency. I'm pretty sure I can get it done with no problem."

She nodded, trusting my words whole heartly.

I did believe I was ready but as any human would be, I had that annoying bit of worry in the corner of my mind and knowing Esther, she was probably also worried but we both decided to not let it show to not worry each other any further.

So I beared a strong exterior and gave her an encouraging smile.

*-*

I suddenly noticed how out of breath I felt and slowed down my pace a little to rest.

I looked down at my watch to see that it has been two hours since I started this long walk.

The walk itself was not as tiring as I expected it to be but navigating in the rocky land was. The soles of my feet were sore at this point but I knew I couldn't stop.

I wanted to be as fast as possible and be done with this part of the journey because I knew someone would be waiting for me at the end of this walk. The moment I was there, I believed that I would be safe and not so alone out here.

I looked around, forcing my eyes to see further away, to find any of the landmarks that Lee helped me memorize. We came up with a road map to help me stay on track and not get lost. Even though I believed I knew the area quite well, I have never been this far out from the village and everything looked about the same.

The easiest part of the walk was until I reached the old village sign which was 45 minutes away from the actual village itself. I personally walked here before multiple times and it was pretty easy to spot.

Once I saw the sign, I was suppose to go slighlty northeast to then reach a small cemetery.

He told me to keep the cemetery on my right side and keep moving along the forest line which was also on my right.

I muttered a few prayer whilst walking by the cemetery, they wouldn't have much visitors, I thought to myself. It wouldn't hurt to pray for the lonely souls.

I'm sorry that I left you.

Before I could let myself get lost in all the dark thoughts that were threatening to come to surface, I shook my head a little and looked up the sky to see the moon shining brightly.