Spring Won't Come

Epilogue

Eichman's eyes were bulging from their sockets, rivers of blood ran down his face. He clawed at the air, gasping and pleading for his life. He glared at Manny and then disappeared.

His parents were next, along with Kayla's. They were covered in dust and blood. Manny's dad had a metal pipe sticking through his chest. Blood ran through the pipe, instead of water. He shook his head, muttering curses beneath his breath.

Manny's mom was smoking a cigarette. One of her arms was missing, torn clean off at the shoulder. Blood dripped from the ruined limb and pooled at her foot. She finished her cigarette and let it drop from her fingers. It hissed as and smoldered in the puddle of blood.

Kayla's parents were in just as bad shape. Their bodies were broken and torn by the collapse of the building. They said nothing to him, only drank, smoked, and pointed disappointed and accusatory stares.

Blake was different.

Blake was standing, knife in his chest, a look of worry on his face. He seemed confused, as if puzzled by why a blade was protruding from his body.

"You weren't supposed to do that," Blake said. "We were supposed to be in this together."

"It didn't mean to," Manny said, his voice high and mournful. "I swear, it was an accident."

"Why did you do it?" Blake asked. He poked at the knife, bringing a fresh flow of blood out of his chest.

"I was trying to protect Kayla," Manny said. "I needed Alice so I could keep her safe."

Blake scoffed. "Do you actually believe that or is that just what you tell yourself to make it better?"

"It's the truth," Manny said, though his tone indicated otherwise.

"Is it?" Blake asked. He began to dig through his pockets. Unable to find what he was looking for, he turned his attention back to Manny. "You're sure you didn't do it because that's what Alice wanted?"

Manny scowled. Who was Blake to judge him? He didn't have the right!

"You made my life hell," Manny said. "You deserved it."

Blake shrugged. "Maybe."

Manny shuddered awake. His head was leaned against the car window at an awkward angle. A needle of pain jabbed into his stiff neck and he wiped the drool that had dried on the corner of his mouth and chin.

It was dark outside and the road was illuminated by the pale face of the moon. Manny saw stars, more stars than he had ever seen in his life. He hadn't even known that it was possible to see this many stars at night! It was beautiful and he wished he had someone to share this moment with.

"How'd you sleep?" Alice said.

"Fine," said Manny.

They were silent for a moment, letting the hum of the road speak for them both. Their journey had been stop-and-go. A night or two at a motel, then on to the next place. This went on for weeks; Manny wasn't even sure what day it was anymore. He also hadn't seen Alice sleep once.

Time was his greatest enemy and he had no way to combat it. He had left home with nothing save for the clothes he had been wearing. Alice had purchased a few fresh sets for him back in Iowa, along with some toiletries, but that was all he had to his name.

She had let him drive for a bit when they crossed into Nebraska. It was the first time Manny had driven a car. He smiled, recollecting the moment when he had turned the key in the ignition. He had jumped when the engine thundered and Alice had laughed. It had been one of the few good moments on this trip.