Outlast the Night

Bacon and Eggs

The tears on her face have dried up and her hiccups have stopped. Star sat in the same brown recliner that Chris had left her in. She soon fell asleep once the screams of other men have stopped. The small amount of sunlight touched her face awaking her from an uncomfortable sleep. Her body was curled up in a ball with a grey blanket over her body. Her muscles and back ached from her fetal position. She looked around to see her make-shift room is empty without her new roommate. The sun reflected four walls stacked and patted with books and tables. A small table sat in the middle of her new room.  

Reader, you might want to know why Star as not ran yet. For starters, Chris was living in his past, anything, including Star leaving would mean that Chris would be killing anyone and anything to "protect" her. Star could easily find a low shelf to crawl under and locate another air vent or the front door but again more chaos than necessary. But staying is not an option either. 

Chris had reverted back to his time in Afghanistan locating any living person, patient or staff,  that could be a host for this 'Walrider'. Once Chris had left for his patrols, Star searched through the loose papers and notes over anything called 'Walrider'. So far she found nothing but blank copy paper and fiction and nonfiction books. Her palms shaking when she heard any footsteps or yelling. Deep in her heart, she knew Chris would never hurt her on purpose but anything could set him off if she is not careful. 

The clouds had begin to cover the sky but the sun was still shining through. Star sat in the same brown chair Chris had left her in. He held small boxes of nonperishable food and gallons of water. Chris kept her isolated from the madness. 

"Little bird hungry. Must eat." He set the food and water down on the single table between the two people. He ripped open one aluminum box revealing the context of canned fruit and vegetables. He gave her a can of peaches and a jug of water. He set them down by the chair as he moved over the entrance. He popped opened his own canned of goodies and chugged down his own water. Star unfolded her legs to reach down for her food. It was a sign that Chris was not completely gone. His mind must reliving a scenario in which Star, herself, is a fellow solider and they are stuck in the middle of a war zone.    

After finishing her can and a few sips of water, she moved down to the floor sitting with her legs folded over the other. Her body ached from shifting her sore muscles. 

Her words soft and quiet," Chris can you tell me who the Walrider is?" She followed his movements looking for a any sign of recognition. His face was stone setting down his own jug. 

"Bad little pig." He grunted shaking his head. 

"Is the Walrider a bad person?" He shook his head again. A low growl emanating from his throat. Star licked her lips tasting the remaining peach juice. 

"Worse."

"Chris can you please tell me what is going on?" Her hair was falling in her face and didn't want to move to her bag to find a hair-tie. She had to give him his full attention to find her answers. Chris looked over at her as she gave him pleading sad eyes. In her mind, she knew that he had find out the truth in Mount Massive Asylum but her heart hurt from manipulating him in this way. 

"Those whores created something evil. Walrider. It will hurt Little bird. Must protect Little bird at all cost." He reached out to her face pushing her hair out of her eyes. His fingers were cracked and bloody. She could smell the dried blood under his fingernails. His hands remained close to her face touching her check and head. Star forced herself to stay frozen and closed her eyes to stay relaxed. Any sudden movement could set him off in full survivor mode.

"Pretty bird." As he spoke a blue-jay had flown near the ledge of the window. Neither Star nor Chris turned to look at it but could hear it sing its song. Star opened her eyes once she felt his warmth leave her skin.