The Third Man

Chapter 12 - Memories

Each time Peter was awake it felt worse than before. But this time he could feel the toll on his whole body. He could feel his reaction slowing down, his joints aching and all his will, whatever was left of it, gone.

He didn't wanna stand up anymore. It was better this way. The hunger, the thirst nothing bothered him anymore. He just wanted to think about something good.

"Hey, you awake?" he heard Dan.

For a moment he decided not to answer him.

"Yeah, yeah, I am." he answered, turning towards Dan.

"Wow, you look like shit" Said Dan, perturbed.

"Well, thank you" Peter chortled.

There was an air of solemness between them. He had no words to explain, that he might not be able to get out. That, this was it for both of them.

"Peter" Dan called him " I know what you are thinking, and it's ok"

"Hey, I never intended for it to go this way" Peter said, feeling guilty

"It's okay, you don't owe me an explanation. I was prepared to die long before, you just delayed it"

The words which were supposed to comfort Peter, made him distressed

"I still wanna get out, its just I don't know how to carry on anymore" his uneasiness aggravated.

"Can I be of some help? " Dan asked slowly, startling him out of his thoughts.

He looked at Dan, remembering his promise to him. It wasn't just about that, he just couldn't let someone die in front of him.

Not again.

He has a family to go back to.

"Well I really wish you could but I don't think... " said Peter

"Why do you wanna get out of here?" Dan asked interrupting him

Peter was confused at first, taking his time to answer

"Because... I don't wanna die here, and get you out of here"

"So that's your motive, to get me out? I mean I wanna go back to my wife and kids, you don't have any, why are you so desperate. Getting me out can't be reason enough."

Peter was taken aback, listening to him talking about his family. He felt a sudden rage take over him

"you are out of your depth old man, choose your words really carefully next time you speak"

"You felt that anger? I think that's your reason to escape this place. I want you to really think about it, focus on what comes in your mind when you close your eyes and you think that you are back home" said Dan

Peter had mixed feelings,but he knew Dan was right, he wanted to stay alive, but his family was his reason for living.

Peter closed his eyes, knowing who would come to his mind, his Mia, Joey and Stan.

"But it doesn't matter, the people I see, it can't...." Peter was about to say, but instead chose to dismiss it " you know what, I can handle my own shit, and you mind your own"

"Peter, I am not your enemy here, this crevasse is, and the bad memories it brings out. That's what you should fight. Not me"

He composed himself, his bad temper won't help the situation right now,and neither him giving up. He was still alive and could still make things happen. He just needed a little push.

"How long have you been with your wife?" Peter asked

"31 years now"

"That's long Dan, really long, I couldn't last 13"