Two men alone in the apocalypse, Joel Miller and Steven Richards find each other. As their relationship grows stronger they must fight their way to safety in order to finally find peace with one another in their world of horrors.
I didn't want to talk to him. I needed him and he was nowhere to be seen, despite me always being there for him. Usually, I'd be violently uncomfortable with the silence in the car, but I can't find it in myself to care.
I should feel maybe even happy, most people don't get revenge when they're wronged. But I felt even more unhappy when I thought of what I did, they deserved it but it's unnerving.
According to various signs, we're about a day's trip away from where we're heading. The map given to me showed the sanctuary's location. Inconveniently it's located on the very edge of the city, meaning we must go through it.
As I contemplated what to do I saw a small pond to the left of the road. I shouted a series of stops to pause the movement. Dried blood is itchy, not to mention the smell of an old penny excreting from the crust. Without water or power bathing is limited, I'd gladly take this opportunity.
"What?" Joel asked taking his foot from the gas. "I'm gonna go rinse off," I replied. Joel responded but I didn't listen to anything he said and made my way to the pond. Usually, ponds are gross but this one has a natural water source from the river. It's quite clean actually.
My feet were starting to hurt the second I took my shoes and clothes off, the rocks providing a seriously uncomfortable surface. However, I'm too pissed to seem weak. I rushed through the sharp pebbles until the water was deep enough that I could hold my feet above the floor.
The relief from my feet was pleasant until I felt my face. A spot ached painfully at the touch. I must be bruised. I dipped my head underwater, briefly taking refuge in the feeling of being entirely alone with myself. It's peaceful at first, but then I begin to think. I can't be alone with myself for too long, I'm scared of what I might do.
In all honesty, my backside was hurting the most, blood was likely coming from inside myself. I wanted to maybe even try and forget it but my body is nothing but a reminder. A reminder of what it felt like to be completely and utterly defiled as a human.
It made me feel, disgusting. Like I've been permanently scarred with a poison, a poison that is both visual and spiritual. I don't suppose I'll be able to forget this, not anytime anywhere. I need to learn to live with it, can't I? I don't know.
I waded over to some water up just above my knees and sat down.
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Holding my knees to my chest as I began to sob. It wasn't voluntary, my body did it for me.
My first indication Joel was near was when the water sent a ripple towards me. I looked over to see him walking towards me. It was a slow trudge and less of a walk in reality.
"Wha-" I was cut off by him taking my mouth. I was quite surprised when he kissed me, I swung at him. "Don't fuckin' touch me, Joel." I hissed, he looked at me. Blood coming from his nose and left. Wandering back to the car.