Where They All Go

~Chapter seven: Laughter~

Day five.

I don't remember what I wish anymore. But I'm sure it will come back to me randomly at some inconvenient time. At first, I'm scared that Swazi wasn't going to wake up, but she does, thank God.

"Are you ready to try and get your foot free now, or should I stop pestering you," I ask.

She doesn't answer, just snaps her fingers impatiently after a few moments of silence.

We get back into the familiar "Removing limb(s) out from under stone(s)" stance. Her leg comes out fairly easily, but her ankle. The Goddamn ankle. We give up and I sit down hard, way too tired. I'm fading faster than I thought.

Swazi is gazing at me with hazy eyes. I can feel her subconsciously studying me. I probably look like shit. I turn away from her. She can inspect my back for all I care. From the corner of my eye, I see her shiver violently. Her brows furrow and she squints her eyes. I guess It's comforting to know I'm not the only one who's lost in their minds. It's either comforting or distressing. I honestly can't tell right now. She mumbles something and my head snaps to attention.

"Huh?"

"What?" she says, sounding a mixture of irritated and surprised.

"You said something."

"You must be hearing things, I didn't say anything."

I sigh and rollover. "Whatever."

She mumbles something else, this time it has my name in it.

"What?" I say, rolling back over.

"Hmm? What is it this time?" she says, the corners of her mouth twitching.

"You said my name," I say firmly.

"No. I didn't."

"You're messing with me, aren't you?"

"No, I'm not."
I raise my eyebrows in disbelief. "Really?"

"Really."

"Uh-huh..." I say slowly. A smile creeps across my face.

"You sure?"

"I'm completely serious," she says, her voice breaking on the last word.

I grin wider. And Swazi...

Bursts out laughing. She has a high sweet laugh that rings pleasantly in my ears.

"Ha! Caught you!" I exclaim, pointing at her.

She covers her mouth, shocked.

"Don't try to hide it, it's too late now," I say, trying to keep the mood light.

She smiles and puts her hand down slowly. She giggles. I struggle to keep my composure. She's laughing. Miss "Ice wall" and "No emotions" Is laughing. I think the world might actually be ending.

"I didn't think you had that kind of humour," I say.

"No, you didn't think I had a sense of humour."

"Well..." You got me there.

Our laughter faded into silence and we ended up staring at each other. And I don't know why, but I start thinking about my boys. And I remember Fox. And guilt hits me like a truck. Had the other boys survived? Has anyone survived? What was the world like? Is there one left? I can feel the tears coming, and I turn away. I've always hated crying, and I won't forgive myself if I start balling in front of Swazi. The emotion is rising in my throat and I cough loudly. Swazi looks over.

"I'm fine," I say, my eyes half-closed, trying to keep them from watering.

"Really? Cause you don't look fine."

I wave my hand vaguely in her direction.

"Don't worry."

She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. "I don't think I've worried about a person before in my entire life, so I'm not sure I know how to."

Jesus, that's dark. "I'm sure you'll figure it out," I say, barely smiling. I can feel myself slipping into an exhausted slumber.

"We'll make it out, don't worry," she says quietly.

I look over lazily.

"That's the catch. I'm worrying for the both of us," I say, winking at her before turning away. Why did I wink? That's kind of creepy Jac. She probably hates you now, great job. Five stars.