World of Decay: Escape Artists (Book 1)

chapter 11

"Shut up James. A good leader doesn't trap all of his citizens inside and then nearly get his closest friends killed over trying to look badass!" Brendan had snapped. He has had enough if James. Getting Nick killed drove him over the breaking point.
The two of them grew up together at Rock Branch elementary school. They were neighbors. Saw their relationship as brothers. Now hes gone.  He wants to kill James for driving right into danger.
All he wants is his brother. To see him one last time. Atleast Nick won't rise from the dead or be eaten. His body incinerated in the explosions.
Brendan put his back against the wall and slid down holding his head trying to hide his tears. Eris sat down beside and put her arm around him.
"It's ok Brendan. Let it out. I know how it is to lose someone you care deeply about." Hoping to calm him down. She flicked her hand out to the others signaling to leave.
"No you Don't. He was practically brothers we've known eachother so long." He whimpered trying to keep his voice from shaking.
"I really do. I had just recently lost my little brother. One night in the Allied building there was somehow a gas leak. A kid struck his lighter to smoke and the whole room cought fire. Blew half the building apart. Kids were scrambling towards the exits. My little brother barley made it. He was about to make it out when the entrance had crushed his body. All was there was a hand sticking out covered in blood.
"I wanted to run and see if I could have saved him or maybe bury his body. When I lunged forward to him Yona and Luize took my arms and yanked me away. A few minutes later there was another explosion. This one blew the roof off the place. Finished off whomever was trapped inside. I miss my brother very much. I still think about him. Want to cry but realize he wouldn't want me to do that. Im sure yours would want the same." Eris gently pulled his hands down. "Everything will be alright. Noone else will die tonight. I promise my leadership on it."
"You do understand.  Im sorry for your loss." He tried calming down. So she does understand. More than understands. Losing blood is like losing a part if your sanity. What makes you human.
"Don't dwell on the past. Look at what is here and now. Let him rest in peace now. Go get some rest the suns going down. Tomorrow we will try and get out to find more food and water. Goodnight." And she gave him a kiss on the forehead.