One Drop Of Blood

6

I waited for the bloodshot to clear out so I could travel on the ground safely and give them a burial. Once daylight broke I could see them lying still on the ground. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to bury them all... I did my best to drag them in a line and position their bodies as peacefully as I could with all of their injuries. After, I repeated the words I had heard Ray say.

"May your sorrows be left behind with your body. Your memories brought with your soul. Head off far now, far to way back home." I guess this was a last goodbye to him as well... 

I walked down the street solemnly. The streets used to be polluted with smog and bustling crowds, now it was stained with the blood of these victims. I've accepted that I'm alone, but I can't help but think... What if there's someone just like me? Someone who's all by themselves as well. *Bark* I snapped my head up at the unexpected sound. I looked around but saw nothing but the deserted wastelands, plagued with death. I sighed and kept walking. *Bark* It was louder this time and I was sure I heard it. This time I took more care to take in the details of my surroundings. There was an apartment building on one side of the street, with a dirty cardboard box out front. On the other side there was an internet cafe and a pet shop.

I started walking towards the latter building where I could see a dark shape pressed against the window. As I got closer the barking got louder. *Bark Bark* I carefully opened the glass door to see a black and brown dog leaning against the window. When it saw me come in it jumped down and ran up to me. He jumped up on me, nearly knocking me over as he wagged his tail excitedly. I noticed he didn't have the normal plumpness of his breed, he still had a broad build but his sides were wearing a little thin. I took a look at his collar which had a silver and green tag. The green one was just for his vaccinations and the silver tag said his name was diesel. 

After licking my face he jumped off of me and ran to a bin, begging for something. I walked over and opened it to reveal dog food and treats inside. I let out a small chuckle as I fed the hungry pup, he scarfed it down with his tail wagging so fast I thought he might blow away. I turned to checking the store for anything I could eat. I settled with a couple cans of wet dog food I could force down, and some jerky that was in a bag. I put it in my pockets making a mental note to myself to get a backpack, before walking back to the entrance of the store. *Bark* I turned to see diesel was now following me.

I thought to myself for a second. It's not like he has anyone to take care of him here... I patted my knee for him. "Come here boy, let's go." He barked again and wagged his tail, following me. I was walking down the street again but I didn't feel alone anymore. I felt like there was a new hope for this world. With me and Diesel by my side, this world has a chance for redemption. Fortunately there was no bloodshot around, at least not living anyways, I didn't want the poor dog to have to deal with that.

Eventually it started to get dark so me and Diesel went into an office building. One of the doors was already broken open, with a bookshelf propped up behind it. I held it open for Diesel then placed it back behind us. We walked up a flight of stairs where we found a door labeled break room. I assumed there would be food in there so I went to open it up. Instead of swinging open though, the door stopped at an inch with a thud, I could see a weak light shining in through the crack.

"What was that thud?" an unknown voice spoke from the other side. "Hey newbie, I thought you said it was clear!?"

"It was. But maybe..." A voice spoke, it sounded familiar... It couldn't be though, hes... dead...

"Maybe what!? Don't tell me you're planning to rob us blind!!! You can get your ass right back out of here if that's the case Ray!!!" My jaw dropped. It really was him. I doubt such a coincidence could have happened. Diesel looked at me confused before sniffing at the door and tilting his head.