Citizen Z

Chapter 26

505 days since the virus spread

Around 3 am

We managed to find an abandoned hotel in New Mexico. It has a empty pool and barbecue area, which would've been nice to use if it could've been in one piece. This place kind of went to hell and back, bricks everywhere, burnt furniture, there wasn't anything left except a few walls.

It's freezing outside, but there's no point in sleeping inside since the hotel has basically been burnt down. There's just a really high and solid wall with one gate which we managed to get in.

We decided to camp under the stars, since the walls are too high for anyone to get over and we blocked up the entrance.

I thought it might be a little romantic, but as soon as Frank rested his head, he was out. I don't blame him. Plus, feeling like you're frozen solid doesn't really do it for me.

We all sat around the fire we built, all cozied up with our loved one. We even had some time to talk like a normal group of friends. We laughed and told stories about our past lives, but eventually everyone grew tired and went to get some shut eye.

I think it's around three in the morning now.

The fire is almost dead. The wind is rough and rattles all of the leaves. The metal gate creaks repeatedly, making me nervous.

Everyone is asleep, except me.

I just seem not to be able to fall asleep. My mind is busy and worried about what has to happen next. It's hard to try to relax after what happened earlier. I'm constantly conscious about our surroundings, it makes me uneasy.

My anxiety is eating me up from the inside.

Luckily, the rest are able to get some sleep. I'll sleep in tomorrow since Ray and Mikey agreed to go search for supplies in the morning, giving me and Frank a break for a change.

Frank is asleep on my lap, sleeping soundly. His skin is warm against mine, making me feel more at ease. He feels like home.

I continuously caress his cheek with the tip of my index and ring finger, brushing the strand of wild hair out of his face. His skin is as soft as silk, making it irresistible to not touch. His skin look as pure as a porcelain doll's in the moonlight, making him look fragile.

He looks so peaceful.

Looking over to the others, I see Mikey and Ray are cuddled up together under one of the warm blankets that we found inside the hotel rooms. Ray has his arm around Mikey, Mikey rests his head and one hand on Ray's chest as he sleeps. They rests their heads together as they sleep happily together.

Frank suddenly moves around, trying to make himself more comfortable, making me tense for a second. He turns around, snuggling his head into my lap again.

By moving, he ends up pulling off the blanket that we're sharing, that was over him, off his shoulder, exposing his pure skin.

I gently pull it back up, tucking him in. I bend over him and kiss his forehead, making it last for more than a second before I pull away. His skin is cold as I gently press my lips against his forehead again.

He must be cold.

I don't want him to get cold, it's freezing out here, especially in the winter time. I wouldn't want him to get sick or even a little cold. I'd rather freeze than let him be cold.

I gently pull off my side of the blanket, gently wrapping it around him, tucking him in once again. My skin immediately has goosebumps from suddenly being exposed to the icy breeze.