When we crumble(#wattys2015)

12.unknown family

My hands covered my face only to be stopped short.

My eyes looked over at the metal holding me. Oh god please don't be an insane person. That's exactly what I don't want right now.

Around me was wooden walls. Hay scattered the floor and it reeked of manure. Light leaked in from the hole in the top hitting my face.

Rattling filled the small place then two men walked in.

"See pops he ain't dead." The younger guy chimed.

The older man stroked his chin. "That don't mean a thing. Just cause he ain't dead don't mean he ain't bit."

"But p-" the guy cut him off. " You go on and take him outside and you ma and i will examine him.

"Yes pops."

The guy headed towards me. He pulled out a key and unlocked the chains.

When he was done he looked up at me. "You think you could walk?"

In response i lifted my body up but the weight was to much on my legs and my head started to spin.

A firm hand grabbed my shoulder and i spun around to hit and stopped when I realized it was him.

"Easy now. It's just me. Now come on." He hooked my arm around his shoulder and slipped his arm around my waist.

Somehow he managed to get me outside which was much worse. It was hot.

A older women rushed to us. " Lay him right there."

The hot ground pressed against my skin.

The women kneeled down next to me putting on glasses. "I can't tell if this is your blood or them walkers."

Sloshing filled my ears. But i was to late to process it when the older man dumped water on me.

Chills went all through my body and i started to shake. A gasp escaped me. But it felt good on a hot day.

"Thanks." The women leaned in closer and focused on my head.

"Where'd you find em again?"

The guy who unchained my spoke. " Deep down yonder near the river. I had to chase him for awhile but he done finally washed up."

She nodded. " It looks like he done beat his head up pretty bad. Must've hit a rock." She examined the rest of my body. " It also look like his right leg is broke."

No! I can't have injuries now. Not here! Not ever.

"So he ain't infected."

"No just badly hurt. You saved his life."

"Awe shucks thanks mama. I have to go help pa. Love you."

"Love you to."

She smiled at me. A warm smile that I hadn't seen in a long time. "What am i going to do with you little fella."

I open my mouth but she shook her head.

Thats when my stomach rumbled. I felt everything coming up and i threw up.

" mIt looks like you have a fever or a stomach virus. But don't worry me and my boys gonna look after you. That's if you like. We're good folks."

I threw up some more.

"let it all out its alright." She sat me up and patted my back.

I was getting washed.

"This is weird ain't it." The guy washed my hair. " But it has to be done, and man you are dirty."

The cool water over my body. It felt good. It felt clean. A smile spread across my face.

"What ya thinking about? Wait don't answer that you're not supposed to talk until you're body is ready. Mama orders."

He got up and grabbed the clothes hanging from the tree.

"Here these are my old ones when i was your age." He helped me get dressed.

I couldn't help but feel guilt. These people were so kind to me but i was selfish. I ate that fish. I could be infected . I could be there death sentence.