Low Battery

I was looking the desert that surrounded us through a hole in the tent we were in while behind me there was an adult person waking up really slow. It was a male and the first time we met he had told me his name was U. He stared at the void for a long time before getting up. Then, I decided to greet him.

- Good morning, U. I hope you had a pleasant night recovering energy.

- I've told you that you must drop the formalities, Kardia -U yawned and looked at me-. We've known each other for years.

I did not answered immediately. I was processing what he had told me. I tried to erase every trace of formality from all my dialogue.

- I'm sorry -I made a long pause and I continued speaking due to the fact U did not say another word-. Are you ready to recommence our journey? Perhaps we should prolong our current state in order to...

- Nah, it's okay. We should keep moving. The sun is rising. What time is it? -U started to pack everything that was inside the tent. I looked the digital clock in the corner of the desktop.

- It is eleven twenty one -U smiled at me.

- We will arrive Capital city before dusk -he helped me to get out of the tent and he finished packing everything.

We started walking across the dessert. We could see the Capital city on the horizon, but it seemed further than I knew it was. We talked sometimes during the pilgrimage as other times we remained silent. It was seventeen twenty-eight when I spoke again.

- We should be able to see a rock in any moment -I informed. U was whistling a song that I did not know. Therefore, I inquired him about the name of the composition.

- It's called "Everything stays" -he smiled at me-. It's one of my favorite songs.

- It is quite tasteful indeed. But that is no surprise. You are the most reliable in affairs related to being cultivated.

- You should stop adulating me or I'll start believing it -his cheeks were turning red.

- I apologize if I disturbed you, however I am sincere: you are the most cultivated.

- That's because you've only met me. If you could talked to Franky or Chris. They knew so many songs. They were my idols -his smile started to vanish.

- It is not useful to think about those who are not here -he did not answer-. The rock I talked about is near.

- We should stop here to eat something.

While U was eating a slice of bacon I started looking for songs inside my music player. I found an instrumental one that U liked. He smiled the instant after he identified the melody.

- I chose this very song to be played on my graduation. I makes me think about my family and my friends -a teardrop ran across his cheek.

- Do you authorize me to inquire something? -U nodded slowly- Why are you smiling and crying at the same time? Are you sad or happy?

- I think I'm as sad as happy -I did not know what to say-. Don't waste your time. You would never get it.

- Is it because we are different? -he nodded silently. I tried to process the new information but I could not handle it. I stopped the music because it was draining energy.

- Kardia -U looked at me with a expression I knew it was used to express concern-. Is everything ok?

- I'm only running out of battery -U's pupil contracted until they almost disappeared. He held me in his arms and started running towards the capital-. You are consuming calories too fast. You are wasting energy that should be stored.

- I don't care, Kardia. I need to get to the city before you turn off -his eyes were wet-. Turn off the screen and any non-vital function that may be on -I shut most of my systems down. I was not able to see anymore, however I was able to hear U's exhausted voice whispering that everything was going to be fine.

I was starting to lose consciousness when I felt I was connected to an energy source. I turned my system on and I saw U, who was crying.

- Good night, U -I greeted. The moment he saw those words on my screen he let a grand amount of air leave his lungs.

- I'm glad you are okay, Kardia. I didn't want to lose you. You're the only thing I have.

- You are also the only one I have -I answered-. But I don't see a point in you losing energy or sources trying to "save" me.

- What? I thought you... may have... feelings towards me.

- It is better if you are safe. I must be no burden to you. You are the important one. You are the one who smiles and cries. I will never be able to understand or make those things.

- I don't care -U surrounded me with his arms-. I don't wanna lose you. Without you I won't be able to laugh or smile. You are the one I need to survive this nightmare.

- U.

- Kardia?

- I don't want to lose you either.

- I think I love you.

- I think I love you too.