Survivors of The Pandemic

16

I wake up with a dull ache in my chest. What happened? Jeremy sits in front of me and the memories hit. Austin is gone, forever.

"No, please tell me he didn't." Jeremy avoids my eyes and I know he's hurting too. He meant more to me, at least I imagine so. But still, they were friends.

Looking around me the bodies of my other friends are gone too.

"It's just us, and you can decide where you want us to go. I'll understand either way. We've both lost too much, I don't even know where to begin." I nod, letting my feelings rush though me. I don't feel like talking or seeing anyone. I've done some horrible things, seen some terrible things. I honestly think I'll need some time before I'll ever become anywhere near normal again.

"I think I'll need some time for myself. At least for a little while. The things that I've done. The things we've seen, I don't know if I'll ever recover from it." He looks at me, really looks at me. And meets my eyes for the first time in a while.

"I understand your reason. Not what I expected but just know I'll always be there for you okay? I can see why Austin was so smitten with you. Had I been younger I probably would have to." I smile slightly at the compliment. "Thanks, but I think I'll pass. I don't know if I'll ever get over all this..." I wave my hand around as if to mention everything that has happened in the last couple of weeks.

"Just do me a favour." I nod for him to continue.

"Don't let him hold you back from something you want, okay? If you one day meet someone-" I cut him off.

"No, I don't think I'll ever get over it, but I'll try. For him not for you. You're a great friend Jeremy but I'll go now." I stand with a little struggle. Turning my back to him before he can say anything else.

As I walk away, keeping my feelings at bay. I decide that I'll never let anyone get this close to me ever again, because if I lose them. I won't be able to recover from that one more time. Hell, I don't even know if I'll recover from this. But I know that I'll try. I'll try because Austin would have wanted me to.