Outside

Chapter 12

The truck has become a sanctuary, and it pains me that we have to leave it.

Occi told us it's a rescue truck, like the one we were originally picked up in. It's truly been a lifesaver. The 24-pack of large water bottles, snacks, and spare apparel have all been crucial to all of our survival as we wait for Kyan to rest enough to get moving and find resources. Anxious to get back on his feet, Kyan's actually been good at taking care of himself for once. We all collectively assured him that his recovery was more important than making supplies last, and because of it he's been diligent about hydrating and eating enough to kickstart his healing process.

Today is the day I promised we'd leave, but I still can't stop thinking of how much worse of a situation we may be creating. By leaving the truck, we're giving up shelter. We all change into some spare clothes in the trunk—all of our original clothes had gotten Kyan's blood on them—and prepare to begin our trek out in the woods.

"See, I told you I would be able to walk." Kyan says, walking up beside me with makeshift tree-branch crutches under his arms supporting him. His face is lit up with a grin, and I find a lot of comfort in how much he's improved in such a short period of time.

"Not gonna lie, it was smart of Drew to use his creativity to make those for you." I reply. "I'd like think he's being nice, but..."

"But it's more likely he just doesn't want me slowing us down more."

"Yeah..."

"But hey! I told you I'd be fine, and I don't like lying to you." He says.

"Wait, so you're not saying you don't lie to me? You're saying that you don't like it?"

"When are we leaving?" He changes the subject.

"Slow down." I tell him, putting my arm around him. "We have to wait for Occi and Drew, but don't worry, we'll get going soon." I sigh, for once a little more hesitant than him. "You promise you're ok?"

"Noxie, I'm all good, I promise. You hear that? I promise." He assures me. "You're talking to the guy who took a final exam in a hospital bed while hooked up to an IV and still got one of the top scores in our class. I can handle a little challenge."

"Yeah well you're insane."

"Maybe." He smiles. "But so are you."

His clothes are new: an oversized dark grey hoodie and a pair of non-bloodstained jeans. I have to admit, he looks genuinely happier than the days preceding today. He's always amazed me by how jarringly high his pain tolerance is, but this is just taking it to an unprecedented level.

"You always did love the look of the trees from that window in the train." He says. "What's going through your head, now that we're standing in it?"

"A lot." I admit. "The air's so crisp and clean out here. It's like I can taste the oxygen." I say. "That sounds weird, but you know what I mean."

"No, you're right." He tells me. "It is refreshing. It's like a..." he pauses, stifling a laugh at his own joke, "like a breath of fresh air."

"Oh, shut up." I tease, elbowing him, chuckling a bit. "That was a lame joke and you know it."

"Breakfast is ready!" Occi yells to us from the other side of the truck. I picture her grilling pancakes on the truck engine or cutting pieces of fruit, but what I find is completely different. What I end up seeing is bizarre. Both Occi and Drew are sitting next to a small fire, holding sticks with what seems to be- or have been- squirrels on them.