Apocalypse [Pentatonix AU | Kavi / Scomiche]

Chapter 58 - Remorse

Scott Hoying was alone.

The corpse in his arms wasn't Mitch anymore. It was nothing. It was no one.

Except Scott couldn't bring himself to shoot it. Instead he retrieved the handcuff that Mitch had kept in his backpack since forever, and used that handcuff to lock Mitch's body to the sign that had given them hope just a few short hours ago.

Hope. What a funny word.

His feet were moving forward, his body following numbly. But he left himself behind. Everything that he was and everything that he wanted to be had died along with the love of his life.

He was nothing. He was no one.

He was a walking corpse, as lifeless as the world around him.

A sign for Atlanta appeared on the highway.

He remembered Kirstie Maldonado.

She had exuded pure joy and happiness, bringing a light with her everywhere she went. She had always wanted to help others above all else. Selflessness defined Kirstie. When it all started, she protected those she loved, fought endlessly to keep them alive. Parting ways with her was one of the hardest things Scott ever had to do. Seeing her again after years apart was a moment Scott would never forget. Seeing what this world had done to her was a feeling Scott would never shake. Watching her fight to remain hopeful was excruciating. Watching her persevere in this fight was exhilarating. Seeing how much she'd allowed herself to love, allowed herself to move forward in a life as horrible as this, even toward the end, was the most inspiring and incredible thing that Scott had ever experienced.

The Center for Disease Control appeared in front of him, less than a mile away.

He remembered Kevin Olusola.

The smartest, kindest human being he had ever met or would ever meet. Kevin himself was a saint and a blessing to any and everyone he met. He had learned Scott's darkest secrets before anyone else and had been kind enough to grant him the secrecy that he in no way deserved. Through loss and unimaginable pain he remained focused on his ultimate goal, which was ensuring the survival of as many as possible. He struggled to maintain a strong and decisive mindset during inconceivable events that had ensured the insanity of others. Yet throughout everything, he strived. It was a trait that Scott admired endlessly.

He arrived at the front entrance. Unimaginably it opened, and he walked inside.

He remembered Avi Kaplan.

That man had endured and survived more than Scott thought possible. He had lost his family, lost those he loved most. Yet somehow he had persisted through it all. He had fought for himself and himself alone until he met the people who loved him the way he needed to be loved. Then he fought twice as hard for them. He had the groups best intentions at heart always. Anything and everything he did was in hopes of providing a better life for those he loved. All he ever wanted was happiness for others, even if it meant he himself lost everything in the process. And above all, he had granted Scott an unimaginable gift: forgiveness. Scott would be forever grateful for that, for the gift that had quite literally saved his life.

He made his way down a long corridor that was all too familiar.

He remembered Mitch Grassi.

He had always carried an irrevocable tiredness that lived in his eyes. He was familiar even at first sight, providing Scott with an aura of safety and love instantly. Despite all, he never rushed himself, always allowed himself to take the time needed to figure out who he was and who he wanted to become. He never seemed to realize, however, how absolutely beautiful he was in every sense of the word. He never seemed to understand the strength he possessed, the incredible things that he was capable of. Instead, Scott somehow had the opportunity to show him. To show him how incredible he was. To show him how beautiful he was. To love him the way a man like Mitch deserved to be loved. To love him without any doubt or fear. To love him without question or reluctance. To ensure that his love was unquestionable. And although he failed at this task more times than he cared to admit, Mitch always let him back in. Mitch always let Scott love him. And Scott had loved him so deeply and so passionately... until he was gone.

Mitch was gone.

Avi was gone.

Kevin was gone.

Kirstie was gone.

So as the doors at the opened at the end of the hallway to a gigantic room, as a white light completely blinded Scott, he realized that there was no one was left to remember him.

No one would remember him.

THE END