Pledge

The scavenger

        Its a life risking sacrifice but its the only way. The arrow is nocked before I notice it. There is a large row of overgrown bushes . I launch the arrow into the bushes, the sound triggers the attention of the demons. And I'm already in a full sprint across the street.

      That arrow I lost was my only source of protection.  Now I have four arrows left. I enter the story through the back not wanting to show any sign of entry to the demons. The ceiling has a large amount of sun roofs which help illuminate the store. I run through aisles in search of my stash.

       As I stop to grab my supplies I freeze. Half of the pile is gone. I could've sworn the pile was of a larger size. Someone has been here and stolen some of my supplies. One of the food supplies - a jar of peanuts are still fresh though they show signs of opening.And a thought sends my arrow fitted onto my bow string, the theaf might still be here.

       I listen closely for any sounds that might be human . Nothing.  If the theaf is gone then he's gone. I make a mental note to set up traps next to my supplies. I sigh of annoyance and stupidity. I shouldve stashed the supplies somewhere better. But I didnt, and my weeks worth of supplies have turned into a few days of meals. I swear if I ever find the thief I won't hesitate to send the arrow into his neck.

     I grab a water bottle and take a walk and take sips around the visible parts of the store. Boom!!

What the hell was that?  I think. I pull on the bowstring and aim in the direction of the loud sound. My arrow is ready to land into the head of an assailant.

Stomp.

      The sound of someone landing on there feet startle me and I turn to see the thief. I fire at his torso. But he is fast and the arrow flies right past him. His only defence is to charge right at me I let an arrow land in his leg he screams but he still charges at me with a limp.

      I get slammed onto the ground , he is shorter than me and smaller. Which is wierd. I guess years of trying to survive make you stronger. I punch him in his jaw and load my bow. I've got him. He freezes.

"Who the fuck are you!! What are you doing here !!" I yell. I turn around worried the demons might have heard.

He falls to the floor unable to stand because of his injured leg.

"Please! I just wanted food... and water..." he manages to say.

I stare off into an empty rack as I feel guilt penetrate my body slowly . I was like him once stealing from others who could barely feed themselves. I examine his leg. A black arrow perfectly lodged in the middle of his leg piercing the back of his calf.

" I'm so sorry, "  I say.

This person reminds me so much of me. And I've injured him. Why do I feel so sorry for this person. He stole from me.

"No, dont apologize. I stole from you, you had a right to shoot me it'd be better if I was dead anyway." He says.

Maybe I should just slit his throat to end the suffering. No i have to take him to a doctor. And soon before he bleeds out. His blood spills and covers the floor quickly. I pull out a pocket knife to cut his pants on the injured leg. its worse than I thought it was. The blood is leaking and I almost gag at the sight.

"I need to get you out of here." I say.

       But where? The nearest doctor isnt all the way across town... I put myself in this situation and now I have to get myself out.

I go to my pile of supplies and grab the first aid kit. I rummage through it and grab a wrap I tie it around the arrow . In less then thirty seconds I notice the wrap is already soaked with blood. I help him up. His right arm is wrapped against my back.

"Whats your name?" He asks.

I hesitate. "Andrew". I say.

I look back at my arrows I have two left.

" lets go..." I take a last glimpse of the area.