The Unknown Darkness

The Dark Rolling Hills

Shock had taken over Rowan's mind. Sophia had tugged her along for a few miles immediately after they had reached shore. Their clothes were tight and smelt of mothballs. The salt from the lake made all their skin sticky yet shiny.

Not so long ago, the first town was in sight; however the closer they got buildings crumbled on its foundation, grass was grown over many road way signs, and cars scattered the street starting to rust. Jax did spot a newspaper stand although with no luck. All sold out. Nothing gave way of any clue to what the heck was happening.

Going in space sure does have its consequences. Missing the next hit pop song or what football team that won the last super bowl. Having no part in the annual family holiday. Everything that pieces a life together gone for a occupation that seems worth it at first but kind of a lost in the end.

They slosh through the mud squishing the vile substance around their black combat boots. Feet were aching from nonstop walking but signs of destruction motivated them to keep moving. Fire streaked the highway of wreaked cars and fallen trees blocking intersections. Trash littered the parking lots and gas stations. Fear was definitely the most forcefully emotion. Even when you think you're back home from the real danger.

"Jax," Rowan stopped in her tracks. "We have to turn back. Now." It was the first time she seemed there. Well at least spoke. She had shook her head no from the offer of stale potato chips Roger found in a broken vending machine.

Her eyes grew wide. The white lines are the interstate were white, slightly patchy. They look familiar, too familiar. They seemed powdery from weathering.

"Why?" her brother questioned. Of course, now he was worried about her, even more now then on the spacecraft. Jax put his hands on her shoulders somewhat shaking her.

"I have a bad feeling 'bout this."

"Oh, please, Rowan. Your instinct on things is terrible" Roger points out.

She blinks rapidly pushing back the tears. "I'm serious."

"Fine, we can set up camp here if you want." Jax reassures her, "Tomorrow's a new day, we'll pick back up there, then." He unzips the top layer of his space suit revealing a tethered grey shirt. A large gash illustrates flesh and blood mostly dried from the heat. The rain had worn-out over time, which released immediate sunlight. Small amount of UVs were absorbed by everyone. Exposing evidence was Sophia's cheeks.

"I have the first aid," she waves the red package above her head. She quickly rushes over where Jax had slumped against a car and hands him two tiny red pills. "Pain killers. I'm kinda squeamish so either Roger or Rowan will have to patch you up. I'll get the firewood though."

"Roger. I'm not doing so well with focusing, so sorry." Rowan shrugs and jogs off to catch up with Sophia.

"We have bandages or stitches?" Roger holds out a needle and thread in one hand while a roll of cloth bandages in the other.

"I saw you in the bunker room with my sister. If you think I'm gonna let you play her too let alone screw up her feelings again, I'm..."

Roger slams his palm on to Jax's hurt shoulder, digging his thumb into the cut. "And what are you going to do huh? Tell Sophia AND Rowan about it? Ha funny." He slowly loosens his grip on his shoulder letting the pain throb. Blood came gushing out after he finally removed is finger. Jax glares at his 'friend'. What had come for him to deserve this? Looking out for people was what he was good at and someone like Roger wasn't going to change that.