The Recluse of Ocado Cove

Chapter 8

Sally walked in front of me, cutting a large plant in our way with his switchblade. I followed him closely, looking behind and around once in a while to make sure we weren't in danger. My gaze elsewhere, I didn't see Sally stop in his steps, and I bumped into his back with a thud.

"Sorry !" I urged out, my hands open in front of my chest.

He looked back at me. "It's alright Lar. Just hurry up, we can't let them find Jim before us."

I nodded, however, when he started walking, I stood immobile. I had too much on my mind, and hell, we could die tonight.

I have to say something... It's now or never.

"Uh... Sally ?"

He stopped and turned back. "What ?"

"I just..." I swallowed. "There's something I need to know... About the way you feel... About me..."

He chuckled. "Dude, what do you mean ?"

Fuck. I was wrong. But now is too late to backtrack.

"I don't know, you... You've been a lot more... touchy with me... Lately..."

"You can't be serious man..."

"Sal, you were literally holding my hand on the car ride to here."

"Quit it. We need to get moving, right now !"

He was right. I was aware that I wasn't asking the right questions as the right moment. But I had this feeling that everything could end at any time, and I really didn't want to waste any minute of my life doubting or stressing out anymore.

"Well, what am I... to you ?"

He had began walking again, but when I spoke, he stopped in his tracks.

He turned towards me. "You're my best friend, Larry."

I didn't say anything back.

"Come on, we don't have much time."

I followed him, sighing.

"Yeah, neither do I..." I mumbled to myself.

We made our way through the island, thanks to Sally's switchblade and my knowledge of the area. Gradually, as we progressed on the path, we began perceiving an odd light. It was bright, almost green in hue. I remembered seeing it from the hill when we had arrived at the location. Thinking about it reminded me of my mom and Dave.

God, I hope they're okay.

There was a noise. Sally turned to me; he heard it too.

"What was that ?" he asked almost rhetorically.

I looked around anxiously. "I don't know. It sounded like a person... A person in pain."

The noise was heard again. We exchanged a panicked look, before rushing towards the source of the sound. We arrived at a bypass, it seemed, because a shit ton of trees were blocking the way.

I frowned. "I don't remember this being here the last time I came..."

Sally didn't reply as he was looking for a way to go past the trees. Barely a few seconds later, I could feel myself panicking. My dad could be there, suffering to his death, all alone. I felt my breathing accelerate.

"Sally !" I yelled in an impulse.

Almost in a miracle, right after I spoke, one of the trees slowly fell down to the side, exposing what hid behind. It was a clearing; the ground was humid, with some low vegetation, and there was a source of water in the back. But I didn't really notice any of that. All I could focus on was the body laying on the ground.