I do not own Warm Bodies. It's just awesome.
R and Julie: The Simple Life
Chapter 5: Just Maybe
It was a warm, sunny day. R didn't notice. He walked by himself, his head down, his hands stuffed deep in his pockets. He was still recovering emotionally from "The Experimenter" experience but it would take time. As long as he showed an attempt at progress, Julie was willing to let him take his own pace. He was grateful for the space.
Words floated through the air and found him.
". . . don't know the purpose of our world ending so many years ago. Really, at this point it doesn't matter. What we can understand is our purpose in the world we have now."
R noticed a group of people gathered together on the grass several yards away. R approached cautiously. The small cluster appeared to be comprised of a variety of people; some humans, recovering Corpses, and newly reborn humans. They sat quietly, listening to one man perched on a tree stump, elbows on knees.
R inched closer, concealing himself under a shade tree. He felt suspicious of everyone and everything these days so he was aware he might not be experiencing an appropriate emotional response. He continued listening. The man's tone was casual, pleasant.
"Some us have always been human. It is our responsibility and privilege to care for and help those in our midst who need our help and guidance. I, for one, feel grateful for the opportunity to help those who need it, whatever their previous lives."
The man paused, gathering his thoughts. He ran a hand through his thinning grey hair.
"Some of you are recovering from a condition others of us can never begin to understand."
A few in the crowd shifted nervously, wary of being targeted as non-human.
"We are grateful for your rebirth. We can learn so much from you about the joy of just being human. The wonder of life. The opportunities of redemption. We all have it inside of us every day. We need your inspiration to help us."
The crowd visibly relaxed and R thought he could see a touch of relief and wonder on the faces of the recovering Corpses and newly reborn Humans.
They didn't know they were important and needed, he thought. I didn't know I was either for a long time. I knew I wanted to be. To somebody.
"This is a chance for all of us to be reborn. We can work together to create a new world we can be proud of. God has put in each of us a spirit to change ourselves and our world for the better. Together, we can help each other and take care of each other. Each one of us deserves that chance."
People glanced at each other tentatively. It was clear they felt hope for themselves and toward each other. R took another step forward, hope knocking on the door of his damaged, still healing soul.
"In light of recent events, it seems that Darkness is trying to destroy this new world. It can make our hearts ache and feel broken, our faith and our lives pointless."
Yeah, tell me about it, R thought. At least as a Corpse, I had an excuse. Hey, I'm dead. Of course I feel this way.
The speaker continued.
"If we just roll over and give up, Darkness will win. But if we help each other, take care of each other, care about each other, we can beat Darkness. The world will become a better place if we choose to work to make it so."
The man clasped his hands together in front of his chest. He bowed his head and spoke sincerely, quietly, with no pomp or self-importance in his demeanor. He spoke as though to a trusted friend.
"Dear God, we are grateful to be alive. We know you allow us the freedom to choose our own actions. I pray for these good people here and for myself. I pray we will take opportunities to help and support each other. I pray that we will allow ourselves to see the wonder and beauty this new world has to offer. Amen."
Some people murmured agreement, some simply wiped at their eyes, and nodded. The man opened his eyes and gazed at those gathered.
"Thank you for being here today. Thank you for listening. Thank you for reaching for the Light. Please take the Light and carry it with you. It will help you push away the Darkness. Be kind to those you come in contact with. Accept each other. Help each other. Love each other. Do what you can where you are."
He stood and offered his hand to help up the woman nearest to him, a recovering Corpse. She rose and hugged him. He hugged her back and let her go.
The gathered people dispersed slowly, most walking in twos and threes. No one left alone. R hesitantly approached the man.
The man turned and saw him.
"Hello."
"Hello," R stood for a moment, unsure of what to say next.
The man spoke again.
"I've seen you. You're R," he said, conversationally.
"Yes. Who are you?"
It almost like he was interrogating the man. He wasn't sure if he meant to.
The man smiled openly.
"My name is Fred. I used to be a minister in this city before everything changed."
He stopped for a moment, gazing off into the distance. R waited. He was good at waiting.
"I decided to come out here in the hopes of doing some good. This new world just doesn't seem to fit into neat, little, packaged boxes anymore. it doesn't seem right to insist people conform to the ways of the old world now. I don't ask anything from them except to be kind to each other. I'm doing what I can where I am."
R considered the man for a moment. Finally, he reached out and shook his hand.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, R. Thank you for beginning the change. You are a beacon of hope to everyone looking for it. And you throw a serious punch, I've heard."
R flinched slightly and looked away.
"I couldn't help it. He hurt people for his own pleasure. He was evil."
Fred, former clergyman, nodded and spoke again.
"Normally, I promote peace instead of violence. However, in this case, I believe an exception can be made. It actually inspired a lot of people. If you, a former Corpse, cared so much, then they, always human, should feel as much."
"I struggle to let go of my rage. I struggle see anything but the evil. It hurts."
Fred spoke quietly in an compassionate tone.
"That means you're human. Maybe more human than some. Give yourself time. If you want, you can overcome that rage just as you overcame your Corpse state."
"So you're saying that just believing in something bigger than me makes all the pain magically go away?"
R didn't mean to sound sarcastic, but he thought he did. Still, it had to be said. And he really didn't care what he sounded like.
Fred smiled patiently.
"Of course not. That's ridiculous."
Uh huh. That's what I thought.
"But sometimes it gives you the strength to begin to overcome your pain and move past it. To do whatever you need to become stronger, better, more at peace with yourself."
Oh. Okay. Well, I guess that makes sense.
R looked the man in the eye.
"Thank you. Again."
"Of course."
R walked away, considering what the man had said.
Just maybe there is hope. I'll have to think about that.
Another warm, sunny day. Julie and R were at the park, watching the children play. Julie had volunteered to supervise the children again for a few hours while their adults were salvaging supplies. R had come along to take part in society and soak up the sunshine.
The children were playing randomly now. Earlier, Julie had attempted to teach them "Duck, Duck, Goose" but they kept whacking each other across the head too hard when it was time for "Goose". Julie was afraid someone was going to get smack cross-eyed so she sent them out to run.
R was relieved. Julie had coerced him into sitting in the circle during the game.
Man, those little kids hit hard, he thought, rubbing his sore head.
It was a beautiful thing to see the 'normal' children so easily accepting the recovering Corpse children. They seemed to just take the world at face value. As long as the recovering Corpse children did not gnaw on them, they were content to play all day.
So far, no 'normal' or recovering Corpse child had bitten anyone. Knowing children, it was a successful day.
Nora came strolling up with her hands in her pockets and a light blush on her face. Next to her was a person Julie did not know. R thought he looked vaguely familiar. Marcus would have recognized him immediately.
Nora's companion was a tall, slender, dark skinned young man. He had a close, short cap of black hair with a connecting jawline beard and a light dusting of a mustache. His eyes were dark and usually expressive. He was definitely an intriguing individual.
He was also a recovering Corpse who enjoyed watching sunsets over lakes. He found them awe-inspiring, the best part of his day.
"Hey, you guys. This is Ben. Ben, this Julie and R," Nora introduced.
Ben smiled first at Julie, then at R.
"Hey. Pleasure," he said to them.
After a few minutes of chatting, Ben politely excused himself, citing work detail as his reason for the abrupt departure.
"See you tomorrow, Nora?" he asked, hopefully.
Nora gave him a bright smile.
"Sure. I'll be at the medical tent."
"Okay. Bye."
Ben appeared quite pleased as he walked away. Nora watched him go and turned back to her friends. Julie stared quizzically at her, eyebrows raised. Nora acted innocent.
"What?"
Julie spoke casually.
"So, I guess it's not hard to meet guys now, huh? Even with the apocalypse and stuff?"
Nora smiled noncommittally.
"He's nice. He likes sunsets. He doesn't eat brains anymore. What?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing." Julie shook her head a bit too innocently. "Just wondering what Marcus would say. He seems a bit taken with you and all."
Nora laughed.
"Oh, sweetie. Marcus is a bit taken with everyone and everything. You know that."
"Okay," Julie drew it out playfully, "but I think he likes you more than you're willing to admit."
She ended in a singsong voice. Nora rolled her eyes, saying nothing. The blush remained on her face.
Julie continued on, as good friends will do.
"So, that makes Kevin and Marcus and Ben . . ."
R subtly edged back from the conversation and watched the children at play.
I can tell when girls needs their space.
Everybody needs some light. Hope you've got yours. =)
Remember the Corpse guy M talked to and then later watched the sunset? I loved that guy so here he is.
Can't you just see R getting knocked senseless by little kids in Duck, Duck, Goose? Hehehe.
Thanks so much to EpicDuck123 for the review! You're a sweetie!