Burning Autumn

Shooting

"I think I see a town," Persefoni points at the shapes rising in the distance.
"Here, look through these and tell me if it is a town," Alina hands Persefoni a pair of binoculars. Persefoni does as she was told and smiles as she sees that it is indeed a town.
"It is a town Alina," Persefoni bumps Alina as she speaks.
"Good," Alina takes the binoculars back and puts them away. She laces her fingers with Persefoni's as she takes her hand.
"How long until we are there?" Persefoni asks as the two start towards the town.
"4 hours at most," Alina squeezes Persefoni's hand.

§§

"How much farther?" Persefoni says as she starts to fall behind Alina.
"Just about thirty minutes if we don't stop," Alina smiles as she looks back at Persefoni.
"I don't think I can-" Persefoni goes quiet as Alina turns invisible. She hears footsteps and then a hand in hers. She recognizes Alina's touch and lets Alina guide her to safety. She hears two sets footsteps, which pause every so often.
"I heard two female voices this direction," a low gruff voice can be heard.
"Are you sure, I can't see anyone," I higher, feminine, voice asks. Persefoni hears Alina stand and shoulder her rifle, which is invisible with her.
"Yes, also I just heard a gun-" the man gets cut off as Alina fires.
"Jacob!" The woman's voice cries out, "where are you, you bastard?"
"Over here," Alina calls. She taps Persefoni's shoulder twice, a signal for her to draw her weapon. As Persefoni draws her gun, Alina crouches and shoves Persefoni. She rises and aims at the woman. The woman freezes as she looks at Persefoni. Fear crosses the woman's face and few seconds go by. The woman reaches for her gun, fear still covering her face as she does. Persefoni pulls the trigger and time seems to slow. The woman's head whips back and her body drops as the bullet connects.

§§

"I killed a person Alina," Persefoni gets out between sobs. The two made it about 20 feet away before Persefoni stopped and started crying. Alina wraps her arms around her from behind as she stands behind Persefoni, who is sitting on some fallen debris.
"It's okay. It was self defense. Don't beat yourself up to much, okay?" Alina squeezes Persefoni in a tight hug.
"But that person could have family somewhere. They won't know if they are alive. What if I killed someone's only kid?" Persefoni's whole body shakes as she breaks down again and starts to cry.
"Hey, for all we know, that person lost their family before the eruption. We don't their past, we don't of they have family or not. It is best not to think about it," Alina lifts Persefoni up and they start walking towards the town again.