Our Mental Love

Chapter 28

I was always looking out for Kowa even though I knew I wouldn't find her. She was off and back at the mental facility. Another loved one gone.

I was walking in the woods alone. Skin sweaty and clothes drenched. My white clothing were now covered with dirt and other things I can't really figure out. I rub my palms together. Dirt comes falling off in between my fingers.

I stare at the leaf and branch covered ground. I was long gone from the hut. It was a thing of the past. I think about it again and remember Kowa's nightmares. Each one was a nightmare to both of us. And then I remembered the gun. I forgot it. I stomp my foot angrily and a bunch of leaves crinkle an some even rise. I forgot my gun. What good was that going to do me.

I walk a little more and kick the leaves and branches. I didn't see the gun back when I was in the hut. Either Kowa took it or-

Realization struck me. Either Kowa took it or put it in my back pack! I jump around which causes a mini ruckus. I take off my back pack and rummage through the contents. Tons of other things but no gun. Nothing shiny, hard, or bold.

I start to worry and I check through my other pockets. Nothing like a gun. I slam my clenched fist on a trunck of a tree.

The rough texture of the tree scratches at my already parched skin. I do a little groan and almost scream. A tiny squeak escapes. I lay my forehead against the tree trunk, ignoring its rough and pointy feel. I release my head and slowly sit down on a nearby boulder. I sigh and rest my head on the trunk. The cool wind rushes through my body and cools me down.

I sit there for a while and just stare at the woods. Listening to birds chirping and crickets. I breath in deeply and something juts into my hip. I jump up cautiously and look around carefully. Still only woods and birds. I feel around my belt and feel a hard, thick bump. I pull at it and a cool surface rushes over my hand.

My gun. A smile stretches across my face and I sit back down. I admire the gun and place it back in my belt. So Kowa did give me a gun after all. Just not in my back pack.

I stand up since the sun was starting to slowly set inch by inch. I walk and grab at a few leaves and hanging branches. They crinkle beneath my touch.

I walk forward and kick more leaves out of the way. I stare at the ground, looking for anymore signs of life. Then I notice them. Footprints. Footprints just like my boots. Footprints just like Kowa's boots. I stare at them and bend down to see the footprints careful. They can't be mine. I haven't walked here before.

They have to be Kowa's. I kick away more leaves. The footprints are facing forward, in my direction. I decide to follow them. Nothing could be more worse than this. I follow and follow. They seem to be endless.