Flash Fictions by Benjamin D. Togate

Red Dessert

„Here we go again“ Xander said, staring into the vastness beyond.

Red sand was whipping into their face. They took a deep breath, turned to their loyal companion and raised the gun, clutched in their hand. Ready to take on anything that would await them today.
After the world had gone to shits, they became an Outlander. Not because they were outlandish, but because the world was.

Destroyed by wars, disease and climate change. All that was left of a once bustling city was the reminants of building turnt into rocks and dust. Now the remaining survivors fought over the little that was left. Each and everyday.

Xander preferred to fight this fight alone. They were stronger if they didn’t have someone accompanying them. No one that slowed them down. No one they'd have to question and mistrust. Well, they were not completely alone. Stella, their german shepherd, never left their side. Xander picked her up as a puppy, at the side of a road, almost starved to death.

And then Xander shared the little they had and found and Stella grew into a strong dog. Now Xander was going this way without any human company, but they had Stella. They didn’t need humans.

And after camping out under a bridge, Xander and Stella were ready to live another day, survive another day. The two of them would go and scavange for water and food, would collect resources and keep on moving north in the hopes of finding a permanent place to live.

“This is no place for you, Stella” said Xander looking at the red desert before them. “Let’s go and find you somewhere nice to live”
Stella barked in agreement and with the gun tight in their hand, they headed out, ready to kill for the one they loved, if necessary.