The Cure

Chapter 5

Jason and I have walked for at least three hours. The woods have become more dense as we walk. This morning we woke up and had a small breakfast. We spent the next hour taking inventory of our stuff. If we eat three cans a day between the two of us, we should have food for about four weeks.
We then packed up our supplies and headed towards... nothing really. I think our plan is to head west and stay ahead of the virus. But when we hit the ocean, who knows where they will go. I've heard a few rumours from before the infection hit our town that the east was loading boats of people who believed the virus was going to hit them to take them over seas to be more protected. If we can get there fast enough maybe we can leave to.
So then we spent the day walking.
"Jason?"
"What?"
"Sorry, never mind."
That was what most of our conversations sounded like. I though maybe if I could talk to him about my parents I would feel better. But then I remember he has it worse. Everyone would rather their family all gets killed than turned. Because I guess if you could bury and mourn your family it would be easier than trying to mourn for someone who isn't even dead yet. For someone who still walks, mindlessly through the streets. They might as well be dead but in your heart you know they are alive, some where in their head they are they're screaming to get out.
The moon has begun to rise and all around us the forest is getting darker. All there is is trees, identical trees. For miles. No where to stay. No shack to hid in for the night.
"Jason?"
"What."
This time is keep talking.
"It's getting dark. Where are we gonna stay?"
His head lifts slowly and he looks around.
"So it is."
I can see his mind running scenarios.
"I guess we'll build something." He says finally.
The shelter ends up being a small tent like thing with mossy walls. It is about five feet wide, just enough room for Jason and I to fit, not enough to lay comfortably.
My side is pushed up against Jason and no matter how far I try to get it makes no difference. He seems to not notice. In fact he is making no effort to try to make his own room.
As the sun sets, the temperature outside out tent drops. A breeze blows right through the thin walls of our tent. I shiver and realize how little clothes I really have on. I guess during a regular summer day you aren't usually prepared for the apocalypse.
Except for my neighbours a few doors down. Right after they heard about the outbreak in California they knew it was their time. Their father had been suspicious of an apocalypse for years. He even bought a panic shelter out in the woods in case. We all thought he was crazy. They are probably relaxing in a hole in the ground watching tv and drinking there imperishable drinks.
"Are you cold?" Jason asks in a sleepy voice. It was the same one he always had when we had sleepovers when we where young.
"Just a little." I reply. I'm really freezing but he had enough to worry about with out me.
Without another word he rolls over and puts his arm over my body and pulls my close into his body. I curl into his body and try to take as much warmth as I can.
I soon hear his breaths even and his body relax. His arm draped over my body and I carefully take it in my hands.