I see him standing there.
I ready my weapon as I slowly approach him.
The ground is soft and quiet.
Almost there.
"Got you!"
I feel an arm around my neck. I freeze for half a second then move to flip Micheal on his back.
"I got you!" I say a little smug.
"Fell for my decoy though?" He fires back.
I shrug then help him up.
"How did I do?"
"Good. I am proud of you."
I smile at him and we make our way back to camp. We pass the 'person' I was heading towards until I was caught. It was a fully dead creature propped up. I kick it over when we pass it.
It was a really good decoy.
...
It's warm out tonight. We left the house we were staying in a while ago when a group tried to steal it from us. Now there is no way for Lawrence to find us.
We made a decent set up for just the two of us.
It's about a mile away from the house we were at. We saw it get overrun last month.
We decided it was best to stay away.
Now we are on our own. We have been for about 4 months. It's been 9 months since I've seen Chris. Longer since I've seen Liz. And I haven't see Lea or Nicky in almost 18 months. It's seems my only constant is Michael.
We have been training daily so we won't get snuck up on again.
He doesn't treat me like I am weak anymore.
Not since I've saved him almost 3 months ago.
When I hear a snap of a twig I jump up as fast as I can and grab my gun. Pointing it at the trees.
A creature stubbles out and moves past me. It stops for a moment and looks at me. Then it moves on.
They have been doing that a lot lately. Hesitating. It's unnerving.
"Maria." I look at Michael as he gets out of his tent rubbing his eye. "I'll take over now. Get some rest."
I nod a get up. Stretch a little and look up at the stars.
I try not to think of Chris but I do. His smile. His confidence. His kisses.
I just hope he is okay.
I feel a hand in my shoulder and turn to Michael.
"Get some sleep." He says again.
I nod and head into the tent.
When I lay down I try not to dream of blue eyes and soft lips.
I still do.