Sober Is a Mask

Nightwatch

The pain had slowly dulled, and Blake attempted to get on her feet. Swaying to one side, the man caught her and threw his arm around her back, supporting her. The stranger pointed to a house in the distance, with the least wreckage. "We go there, start a fire, and wait until morning when you're in better condition to begin moving back to the subway." She could only nod in response. She hobbled with the support of the stranger, covering the large distance quite quickly for her being in such an injured state. They stayed under the cover of other buildings or fences, avoiding the eyes of an remaining predators.

With the help of the man, Blake entered the doorway, most of the walls remained standing, and a good part of the roof was still intact. The stranger set her down against one of the walls. Producing a Colt pistol, he chambered a cartridge, then set it next to her right hand. Blake hadn't thought to mistrust the man who had saved her. She was in such a vulnerable state, if anyone wished to harm her it certainly would have been done by now. She grasped the pistol as the stranger left for a moment to gather stray boards for fuel. He returned and after rummaging around in his pack, produced his fire starter.

Soon the the fire was burning steadily, and Blake looked at her newfound companion. He sat down on the opposite side of her, his bag leaned next to him, and his gun stood up in one hand, a small package in the other. He checked the Geiger counter on his left wrist, then removed his mask and hooked it to his belt. Blake did the same, then stared at the man. The stranger had short blond hair, greyish-blue eyes, and a sober expression. Blake had short brown hair, and green eyes, her mouth covered with a half balaclava. He tossed her the package over the fire, which landed on her right side again. She set down the pistol and saw the package half-open already. Unwrapping the parcel with one hand, she found dried meat and hard bread. She nodded her thanks.

After finishing eating, she looked over the dancing flames at the stranger questioningly. He shook his head and watched the doorway of the ruined building. Fatigue overtook her, and before Blake knew it, she was fast asleep.