The keys

First fight

We continue walking through the forest, hearing the sounds around us. It's so quiet, so gentle. They are so lucky.... Not having to fight each other because their lives depend on it.

"Shuush." Josh hisses.

"What is it." I snap back.

"I said to shut up."

After that I just close my mouth. He slowly walks around the tree in front of us and suddenly slams against it, holding his breath. He exhales and motions me to come over. I walk over and crouch around the tree. I see some people, they look strong and they have a lot of keys. They are engaged in some conversation.

Crap. I thought.

I whisper to him, "We have to get their keys."

He nods and I motion to climb up the tree. I carefully climb up the tree feeling the gripping spots. We finally reach the top and I carefully walk above them. I motion my hands 3, 2, 1, Go!

We jump down and land on them, they all fall flat on their faces. I grab the keys and jump up looking frantically for Josh. He's fighting a guy in the corner punching and kicking. He's got it but I need to help in some way. I look around quickly thinking hard about where a weapon would be.

I see a gun on the ground next to the guys bag. I grab it and hold it firmly in my hand. I study it, making sure I know how to use it. I steady my stance pointing the gun at the man on the ground. I fire, bang, I hit him in the leg. Bang, in the side. Sean gets up wiping the blood off his face.

I walk up to the guy on the floor. I kneel and put my hand on his wound. "I'm so sorry" I Whisper. I grab his keys. I get up.

"Let's go." I say.

"What happened back there?" Josh asked as we walk.

"What do you mean?" I answer, "You were there the whole time."

A tear falls down my face. He grabs my shoulder and turns me to face him. He wipes the tear off my face.

"Why are you crying." He says.

"That guy." I sob. "I knew him, I killed him."

I cry more, half of it because of anger and other half of grief. He pulls me away into a spot there are no cameras.

"Stop." He says. "They are watching you. They will think you are weak and they won't bet on you. Do you understand? This is the only thing keeping us alive!"

I just sit there, staring at him.

"You're right. I'm sorry."

I get up and wipe the tears from my face.

"It's just.... He was a friend. Ya know?"

He nods. He grabs my hand and we walk forward, for as long as it will last us.