Weeks later, Kyle is looking down in guilt as Sarah walks into the room.
Sarah: Kyle.....Kyle....
Kyle raises his head.
Kyle: What?
Sarah: Are you okay?
Kyle: So much has happened....on the road....we've lost Joseph.....and Marcus....and now....now we're about to lose Cassandra.....she's going to die because I dragged you all out here.
Sarah: Kyle....
Sarah sits down, taking Kyles' hand.
Kyle: She's one of my closest friends....and....I just....goddammit...I just wish there was more I could do to stop this pain for James....for myself....James....he doesn't deserve this pain....
Sarah: Kyle, stop.....we're going to save her.
Kyle scoffs.
Kyle: Do you believe that? Do you really believe that?
Sarah looks down, unable to think of answer. She instead rests her head on Kyle's shoulder. In their quarters, Cassandra is looking at a picture of a community house with James sitting by her side. Cassandra then coughs and looks at James. Cassandra's condition has worsened.
Cassandra: James...you know, when I found this photo of a community house, I just knew for some reason that we were going to there in the end....
Cassandra then looks at another photo, then gives a contemplating look.
Cassandra: All these stupid rivers, mountains, deserts....they just won't do. It's community, house or nothing!
Cassandra then grabs the edges of the table.
Cassandra: I thought we were going to make it.
Cassandra coughs, then James puts his hands around her shoulders, comforting her.
James: Hey....hey....it's going to be okay.
Cassandra laughs.
Cassandra: James....I will get there....and if I need some help, you're going to be there, aren't you?...You'll save me again?
James: I....
Tears form in James' eyes.
James: I don't know....
Cassandra: James, please....don't do this to yourself....it hurts so much to look in your eyes....you and everyone else, too....if this is my time......then it is.....I always wondered how it would be with this dangerous world we live in.....how I could be with my family again....my mom....my dad....Blake....Maya...
James: Cassandra....just....please....please....hold on....without you, I have nothing....I'm nothing....I know you're going to pull through this. You're going to be okay.....It's not just me, but all of us....you can't do this to us.....Please.....I can't live this world without you....Please...
Cassandra laughs.
Cassandra: Did you write that on a note?
Cassandra coughs, rapidly. Rachel, next door listening and in tears, stands up, grabbing Kayla.
Rachel: Kayla! Please! Get in there! I can't listen to this anymore! Please!
Kayla rushes into James' and Cassandra's quarters.
Kayla: James, you should go...I'll give her another shot.
Kayla tends to Cassandra as James steps out of the room, running into Rachel, who immediately hugs James.
YOU ARE READING
Chronicles of the Apocalypse: Across the Ruins (2024)
ActionSet months after their losses both of homes and loved ones, Kyle and what remains of his group must travel across the wasteland in a brutal and bloody journey to find a new home. R for Strong Bloody Post-Apocalyptic Violence, Disturbing Images, Per...
