When August Ends

The Promise

"And with every broken bone,

I swear I lived."

- OneRepublic, I Lived

Jacks P.O.V.

Anika puts a hand on her right hip and leans to the right, looking at me discerningly. Somehow, despite her very intimidating appearance, I don't feel any form of distrust towards her. She's not someone I would want to be enemies with, but luckily we're on the same page. "Would you like to come back with me then or not Anika?" I inquire and she squints harder at me.

"I think you should come with me first." she says flatly and steps over a corpse towards me.

"Where?" I ask.

"To my camp." she responds.

"Well, that would be grand except for the fact that my people are waiting on me to return so we can pull out and move on," I explain distractedly as I notice vultures begin to circle above us, anticipating a feast of rotten flesh. It's sickening.

"Then here is where we part," she snaps and turns away from me but I call out for her to wait. She turns back towards me, glaring disapprovingly.

"Why do you have to get back so soon?" I question crossing my arms.

"I have my reasons just like you have yours now are you going to come with me or are you wasting my time?" she shouts at me angrily. I can't decide if it's a good idea to go with her and see what her group is like and what they could possibly do for us, or to just part ways.

"I don't want to be left behind," I sigh after a pause and she looks at me with a knowing smile.

"Yes you do," she says looking directly into my eyes. "Yes you do," she repeats walking back towards me and pausing an inch or so away. I don't really know what's going on. "Well, lead the way then."she says after an awkward pause.

I smile.

We walk in silence, coming across a few Infecteds and dispatching them, but it actually is relatively peaceful. Anika is like me. Quiet, independent, and strong. We don't like constant companionship but can't handle being alone for too long. This is the most peaceful I have felt in ages. She has a presence about her that relaxes me, and I hope she will agree to come with us. "We're almost there!" I smile back at her as we are about to step into the clearing. "You'll love everyone," I add and she smirks. We reach the clearing and my heart stutters in my chest.

It's empty.

There is no one here. All of our things except for a few useless items are gone. Tire marks proving that they have left. Left and apparently forgotten me. I make no motion to leave or move, I just stand rooted to my spot. My emotions are all over. Part of me is furious, how could they leave without me? Another part of me is sad, because I don't know where they went or if Grace is with them. I need to find my sister wherever she is. Another part of me is hurt. Maybe I don't hold the importance I assumed. But more than anything, which is unsettling to me, there is a feeling of relief that I am now on my own. No more responsibility for anyone but me. And it makes me feel sick to my stomach. Finally I turn to my new companion and she looks at me blankly. At least she's not glaring. "Are you ready to come with me now?" she asks quietly.

"You want to leave this party already?" I sigh.

"This isn't my scene," she replies and turns around, beginning to walk back.

"Mine either," I state looking around once more. "Mine either."

We backtrack through the woods and are by a small bridge, but the complex she described to me on our way here is in view. I must admit I'm impressed with the place. It's perfect for this time and new world. There is smoke coming from our right, little ways into the woods. Anika motions for my silence and we head towards it. We come across a young man burning the corpses of the twice dead. His hair is light brown and he is very thin but looks strong. "Pablo," Anika says and he turns to us startled, but then smiles.