Everyone Dies

Chapter Seven

The forest was thick and it felt like we were running around in circles."I'm tired,I want to rest"I protested sitting under a big tree that provided shade from the burning sun.We can't rest now,they know we are alive and they must be following us and there are no eatable fruits in this side of the forest.So if we wait here we risk dying in their hands or starving to death."Henry stated anxiously. "You think I don't know that already,listen I can't go any further or I'll die of exhaustion" I complained almost yelling."Fine hop on my back"Henry said squatting in front of me. "What,do I look like a baby to you"I asked feeling a little bit awkward."No you are an adult who can't walk,just enter let's go or I'm leaving you behind"Henry threatened sternly. He clearly wasn't the type who bluffs,he always carried out his threats that's for sure but I would feel embarrassed I thought as I sank into deep thoughts.Being left alone was definitely worse than the shame I would feel. "Fine"I yelled hopping on his wide back,it was hard and firm felt like I was laying on solid rock.Looking at Henry walk through the forest gallantly gave me goosebumps but then again I didn't have weight so there is really nothing to be impressed about.
"Can I ask you something"Henry asked as he continued walking clearing a path."Sure feel free"I said curiously."Ok thanks."he said pausing for a while.It was obvious he was trying to get me anticipated about what his question was that's why he gave the suspense "Aren't you asking again"I said impatiently. "I'm just thinking of the right words to use,okay I've got it.If you survive this, what are you going to do with your life.I mean what are your plans afterwards"Henry asked curiously."Honestly I haven't thought about that yet,what about you.What are your plans"I asked even more curious than he was. "I'm going to repent completely,I mean if I die here I'm sure I'm definitely going to hell."He said avoiding eye contact."What are you even saying,God forbid"I rebuked loudly a little disappointed in his words."I know what I'm saying my dear,I might come across as the innocent type but I've had my share of misdeeds you know.I've done things that doesn't deserve forgiveness.Things I should be arrested for"he replied almost in a whisper It was obvious Henry was feeling remorseful and had many regrets.I was left speechless by his words not sure if I should ask about it or just feign ignorance."Don't you want to know what I did"Henry asked with a glare trying to see through my flustered expression."I wouldn't want to invade or pry into your private affairs,if you want to talk about it than I'm going to give you my ears but if you don't want to I'm not going to ask"I replied trying to hide my curiousity.I really wanted to know more about Henry and his past but I knew it would be rude to ask so brazenly."I joined a cult when I was in secondary school,we bullied students,teachers and even caused havok in school.We had guns and knifes,we feared no one not even the police it was like we were untouchable.We had our own home deep inside the forest,they were no buildings they and those who tried to raise structures there were stopped,but as always there are those stubborn set of people who never listen to threats or warnings.Those ones were killed along with the men they brought and their bodies were either claimed or left to rot.We were invisible,especially with the protection of some politicians or men in the higher class but like they say nothing really lasts forever. One early morning,soldiers invaded our territory.We were all fast asleep when they came in smashing our doors and killing us in our sleep.Some of us managed to escape while the rest died and rot in the forest.We the survivors gave ourselves a mark,the mark was a reminder of what happened that day and also symbolised our love for our lost brothers."Henry narrated showing me a huge scar on his neck.It looked like a cross with carved initials."What does the OB stand for"I asked out of curiousity.He was quiet for a while,smiling widely.It was obvious he was relieving old memories."THE OJUJU BOYS"He replied gallantly.I had so many questions to ask but fear didn't let me,every one knew the OJUJU boys as one of the most deadly and cruel secret society in history.Rumour had it that they don't use guns to kill they prefer using knifes to butcher their victims and eat them.What if he decides to kill me."Why do I suddenly feel so hungry,right now I can even eat a full cow"Henry said with a broad smile. So many thoughts ran through my mind as I looked at the scar on his neck,reflecting on his words."Drop me"I said almost in a whisper "Why,are you okay"He asked confused."Yes I'm fine,I just regained my energy to walk so drop me."I replied trying to come down."You are acting strange,are you sure you're okay" he continued seeing how desperate I was to get down.All day I kept my distance from Henry,I avoided eye contact with him and refused to follow up in any conversations.And at night we slept far away from each other.I know that I'm wrong to judge someone by their past but my fear couldn't let me.My mum had always believed in one thing and she always advised me to never trust anyone "Once a killer,always a killer"she would say.