At End's Gate

DUSK

The sun's rays were now becoming more orange and red in color. The usual bright yellow sun had to fade as night was approaching. Conner realized that they had to find shelter. They had covered a lot of ground. It was going to take a couple of hours to reach the eastern safe house so they would continue moving in daylight. He informed the others. They entered into an old abounded bookstore. They searched throughout the store for potential threats. They were safe. They got themselves cleaned up, ate and prepared to sleep. Paige couldn't sleep so she volunteered to take the night watch. Conner refused at first but he was tired so he decided to sleep for a couple of hours. The others fell asleep. Paige looked around the store for any book she could read. This was the only way she could stay awake and keep her mind preoccupied. After all they had been through, allowing herself to get lost in her thoughts was probably the worst thing for her to do. The store had many books. There were romance novels everywhere. She wasn't in the mood for reading any. They all portrayed a life that she now believed was unrealistic. She then found a copy of the hunger games. She laughed to herself, mocking herself that her life was now a never-ending game of fighting for survival. Even if she could get out of the city Dukilian would possibly make their lives miserable wherever they went if he knew they survived. He seemed to be the person who could hold a grudge for a lifetime. She found another book. It was a romance novel. She cringed as she read the prologue and discovered that it was a romance novel. She let go of the book and took a comic book and went back to where she was seated. She looked at the others who were sleeping on the floor. She looked at Conner, admiring the detail on his face. Possibly the other reason why she didn't want to read the romance novels was because of Conner as well. Her love life was beyond complicated. Where could she even begin? Firstly her boyfriend was possibly dead. She didn't know whether she should grieve or just hope she would bump into him some day. She loved him. Paige magnified on all the things they'd been through throughout the course of their relationship. Now there was Conner whom she spent most of the time fighting not to love. That only drew her closer to him than she expected. She loved him as well in a way she couldn't comprehend. That was the tragedy of the matter. She was probably going to lose him as well. That thought made her heart ache. In as much as she didn't admit it to herself she knew losing him as well was like losing herself.

"Paige."

She shook frightened at the sudden call of her name.

"Sorry for startling you. I'm not that sleepy. I just need someone to talk to," Lisa said.

Paige discovered that she had been lost in thought and didn't notice her come sit next to her." I'm sorry I zoned out. I'm definitely a terrible lookout," she gave a weak laugh," yes you can talk to me."

"I'm kinda scared of losing you guys. Today was a rude awakening. I felt how easy it is to lose life. Those men came out of nowhere prepared to kill. If they had guns we could have died at the spot."

"Don't worry. You're not going to die..."

"I'm not afraid of dying," she cut her before she could finish talking," I'm afraid of surviving without you guys. I can't handle a life that is like a never-ending funeral. How can anyone survive that?"

"Honestly it's hard but life has to go on. I know if anyone close to you dies it will leave a hole in your heart but you have to at least try living if you are graced with the opportunity of being alive.."

"Yeah I guess."

Paige took out her phone." I want you to listen to this song." She clicked a telepathic option so they could listen quietly to the song. Earphones were a thing of the past. Technology in their community had advanced but defenses didn't advance because there used to be no need for making weapons since the idea of war was a mere taboo. Paige chose the song Alive by Sia. They listened to the song.

"Wow the message is incredible."

"Yeah. We might face the gates of death and might almost die several times but the fact that will keep each other alive is what matters. Don't worry. We'll be fine," Paige smiled." Now go to sleep. You have to be strong for tomorrow." Lisa went back to her sleeping spot. Paige continued to listen to the song. She absorbed the lyrics and felt warmth in her heart. She had to stay positive and hopeful that they'll all be fine.