When August Ends

Watch And Learn

"I've got a migrane and my pain will range from up, down, and sideways. Thank God it's Friday 'cause Fridays will always be better than Sundays, 'cause Sundays are my suicide days. I don't know why they always seem so dismal. Thunderstorms, clouds, snow, and a slight drizzle. Whether it's the weather or the letters by my bed sometimes death seems better than the migraine in my head." -Twenty One Pilots ~ Migraine

Andrew's P.O.V.

         I tiredly toss a pile of dirt to the side as I continue to help dig Chey's grave. I didn't know her as well as some but she was a good girl, it's such a shame to have lost her... Life is so precious and it's only now I, and I think the rest of us, realize. The grave is getting deeper and deeper but it's not deep enough to put a body in yet. As we continue to deepen Chey's permanent bed, I wonder what the others are doing. It's been quite a night. It's not just tonight that's been a blurr. No one's really asked me what happened to me in the time it took for me to be re-united with the group. We've lost so much and yet death has become less harrowing to us in a way. Grace's reaction to finding "David" reminded me that death is a bitter thing. I don't want to lose anyone else. While I was apart from the group, I was actually looking for Stephen. I knew he would be coming. It's just I didn't know when or where he'd show up. What I didn't tell the others was that I killed Colton and Stephen.

      I was wandering the campus and had been attacked several times but I pressed on. I was looking for familiar faces, anyone to help me or for me to aid. I hadn't seen anyone for at least a week aside from unfamiliar walking corpses,against which I defended myself with a rusty knife I found in the wrecked greenhouse. So when I heard human voices I was eager to find them, and I did, out by the boys cabins. They were surrounded by six infecteds. It was Colton and none other than Stephen. I ran over and stabbed the first one I came in contact with and it dropped down dead. Both guys were momentarily surprised by my arrival and paused for a moment. A window of opportunity taken immediately by the infecteds. In the time they took to pause and look at me, the infecteds sunk their teeth into both of them. My stomach drops just thinking of it. I went to help them, and instead I got them killed. I shake my head, feeling an overwhelming guilt as I continue to dig Chey's grave. When I finally found everyone and they told me on their own my brother was gone, and Maya and Troy had taken the fall, I didn't know how to interject it wasn't either of their faults. I know Maya feels awful, and I've had so many moments where I could have, and wanted too, tell her. But I haven't. Maybe it's better to bury those things. Along with Chey.

***

     It's probably three in the morning but we're just now lowering Chey into her new resting place. I can't bring myself to look at her face. We all stand around the grave, bleary eyed and filled with sorrow. Rachel and KP are holding hands and shaking sorrowfully. Cat and Hannah stand side by side, hands folded, tears silent and plentiful. Nikkos, Maya and Grace stand rigidly and solemnly, watching as Parker, Troy, Stevo, and I finish placing poor Chey into the grave. Mace is standing with JP, Morgan, Brandon, and Jack, Bible in hand. I suppose Mace is somewhat our appointed spiritual leader. His blonde hair is matted, his face is dirty and blood has caked near his brows. His blue eyes look full of emptiness. Those of us who placed Chey down finally stand, hands folded, and look to Mace to speak. "Lord," he begins. "We come here today to mourn the loss of a life that you blessed us with. Cheylan has left us but we all know she is by your side at this very moment, so we not only mourn her absence, but celebrate the life she lead here, the impact she had on people through you, and the pleasure she has now to be with her Savior. God we come before you with nothing but our lives, and we are fighting so hard to survive it becomes easy to forget you in these times... And it's easy to feel angry at you for circumstances," he continues and then pauses as his voice cracks. I notice everyone has begun to shed tears but Maya and Grace remain stone faced. "But you are God and you are good. We thank you for Chey, and at this moment we come to recognize how precious life is. And you truly do give and take away Lord. Help us to cope, and continue serving you in this new life we're living. You will be missed Chey," Mace concludes and wipes his face. We all take turns tossing dirt over into the grave, and then Troy offers to finish with Stevo. The rest of us go and sit infront of the flaming van which is the only warmth available on this cold night but it can't warm us where we need warmth right now. And that's in our souls.