Can Love Stand the Test?

Moving On

Thomas whined as he shook Mindy.

"Is Mommy sleeping?" Carrie asked.

Thomas shook his head. He looked at Carrie and pointed to the exit. He wanted her to go wait for him in Chop Top's truck. She nodded and walked through the destroyed hideout.

Thomas turned his attention back to Mindy who laid limp and still in his arms. He shook her again trying to get her to do anything. He gently patted her face not getting any response. He laid his head on her chest. Mindy had no heartbeat.

He tried his best not to cry, as he held Mindy's lifeless body in his arms. Thomas pressed his lips against hers in a kiss before pulling away. He held her close not knowing what else to do.

Mindy, I'm so sorry he said in his mind. I never meant to hurt you. Never! I didn't love Stretch. I love you. You, Mindy!

Thomas kissed Mindy again. This time however, he felt a little warmth in her lips. He pressed his ear against her chest again. Slowly, but surely he could hear a faint beating. Thomas raised his head and looked at Mindy. He ran his hand across her face waiting to see if she'd do anything. Thomas kissed her again to see if she'd do anything.

Mindy's chest rose as she gasped for air. She coughed as she breathed air back into her lungs. Thomas helped her sit up trying to help her breathe. Mindy opened her eyes and turned to see him.

"Tommy?"

Thomas hugged her tightly. She was still alive. Mindy wrapped her arms around him and returned the hug.

"Tommy..."

He felt warm tears against his shoulders. Thomas pulled away to see Mindy crying. What was she crying for?

"I thought I was going to die", she said. "But... I heard you."

Heard him? But he didn't say anything. Not unless she heard the words that were in his heart. Thomas stood and pulled Mindy up to her feet. She fell over in his arms. Mindy was very weak from the loss of blood.

"Looks like we'll have to leave", Mindy said looking around the hideout.

Thomas nodded. He gently touched her sawed back. He would be able to stitch that up. He lifted her up into his arms and carried her out of the hideout.

"Honey, before this happened, I was thinking", Mindy said. "Once we get ourselves fixed up, what do you say we renew our vows?"

He nodded kissed her forehead. After all that happened to them today, they needed it. Thomas carried Mindy toward the exit where Carrie was waiting.

"Mommy!" she said. "Mommy, you're okay!"

"I will be, honey", Mindy said.

Thomas sat her inside the truck and helped Carrie inside as well.

"Where are we going now?" Carrie asked.

"We're moving on", Mindy said. "To another part of Texas."

Thomas got in and started the truck. They backed out away from the hideout and turned around. They drove away in silence as the sun rose over Texas.