Don't Be Afraid

Chapter 29

"Hang in there buddy, you'll be fine." Hunter was carrying Wain back to the truck with Issac on his heels. I feel nauseous, but I manage to turn around and start searching for supplies. I can hear Wain crying and Hunter cursing. I'm starting to feel bad, but it was his only chance.

An hour passes and the crying has stopped. So far I've managed to find a hammer, some nails and screws, a shovel, and a saw. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. I shove them into my backpack and continue searching.

"Hey, Issac-" He looks at me, his eyes red. I see Hunter bent over Wain's body and hear muffled sobs. My stomach drops. No one has to tell me. I already know.

"Wain's dead, Linda. I made sure he doesn't come back."

"I-I'm sorry Issac." My chest tightens and tears are stinging in my eyes. "I didn't mean to- I was just trying to-"

"It's not me you have to apologize to. I would've done the same thing, had I thought of it."

"I'm-" He shakes his head and starts to gather things up.

What have I done? I thought it would save him. I thought I was fast enough. What about Hunter? He's devastated and I don't have the slightest clue on how to help him. He's gonna hate me and he's gonna leave us. I've just ruined his life.

I take a deep breath and pick up a shovel. "Someone has to bury him." Issac just nods and continues gathering the supplies up. I slowly walk over to Hunter and lean the shovel against the truck. At first neither of us says anything, but after a few minutes Hunter speaks up.

"I know you did what you thought was best. It was a smart move, but he lost too much blood." He pauses and wipes a few tears away. "I just wish he wouldn't have suffered."

"I know. I thought cutting the arm off would stop the virus from spreading throughout his body, but I guess it doesn't matter if you die anyway." He nods his head and closes Wain's eyes.

"He wasn't a bad person y'know. He didn't deserve to die. Not like this anyway." I don't say anything. I just pick up the shovel and start digging. He deserves a proper burial.

It takes awhile, but the grave is deep enough, and wide enough for Wain to fit. Hunter and Isaac carefully lower him down and make sure he's comfortable. After that Hunter says a few words, crosses his heart, and gives me the sign to start filling up the hole. Each pile of dirt feels like a hundred pounds, but it's a burden I'm ready to carry.

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A/N

Man it hurt a lot to write this chapter. I wanted people to get to know Wain better, but things happen. I hope you enjoyed. Follow and vote! Bye :)