An Apocalyptic Invasion

a true side of the plague and an emotional breakdown

"You're involved in this?"

Sam stared at me as I recounted what happened.

"I guess so."

She rubbed her nose bridge. "Carlos, you're lucky I'm a calm person. Why do you always have to be part of these dangerous plans?"

"I don't know, okay?" I sighed. "Look, all I know is that we gotta work on bringing the Shadows here so it can work."

"I guess I will help."

"You don't have to."

"But I have to," she said stoutly. "If it has to happen for your benefit, I will gladly do it."

"I- okay. Thank you."

Riley was coming out of her room.

"I'll leave you with her," she said quietly.

"Where are you going?"

"I'll be with the guys just hanging out."

"Okay. Love you."

"I love you too."

I watched her go through a door.

"Good morning," Riley said.

"Hello to you too. Did you sleep well?"

She nodded. "What time is it?"

"I think it's around eight."

"Good time, then."

"Hey, um... I need to tell you something."

"What is it?"

I told her everything that happened, leaving out Tommy's sickness. She wasn't supposed to know he had cancer in the first place anyway.

When I finished, she crossed her arms. "Why does this always have to happen to you?"

"I can't decide whether to partake in it or not."

"Yes, you can!" she said angrily.

"Okay, look. Let's go outside so we can talk about this."

As soon as we were standing on the grass, she said: "You're a smart guy. You know better."

"Not really. I'm only doing this for my future children."

"Exactly how is this good for them? You don't even know if you will have more."

"Listen. I'll literally protect them because my reputation will be greater at that time."

"This is so stupid." She grabbed a stick and raised it like she was going to hit me.

"Riri, I'm leaving anyway. What's the difference?"

"You're leaving?"

"Yes, I already told you."

"But... I thought you were just going to leave the HQ."

"No, Riley. I'm moving to a completely different state."

That's when she exploded. She started smacking the ground furiously with the stick, causing splinters to fly everywhere.

After the stick broke, she looked up at me with furious eyes. "I don't know why you do this. Do you really want me to deal with you not being here?"

"You'll have the others."

"But they're not you," she screamed. "What am I going to do when you're not here?"

I understood her anger. We've been through quite a few things, so the news of me leaving hit her hard.