Ready to Die

Out of water

Out of food

No survivors

And no rescue

The two of us, we’re the last of our team.  I don’t know who fell first, but we’re both on the ground. Panting.  Looking up at a broken sky with ash swimming around like dying fishes.  It must be August, the heat is scorching.

I can feel my throat closing.

So thirsty.

My breathing slows.  My eyes close.

Ready to die.

I don’t ever want to wake up.

But something presses into my cheek.

And doesn’t stop.

I open my eyes. Blink twice.

There’s a child poking my face.