Chapter 4 - Rain

I haven’t seen rain in so long. I used to love it, how refreshing it felt as the drops fell on my skin. But this isn’t rain – Instead, my skin is burning. This rain is black and tar-like. I run as fast as I can to try and find anything to cover me, huddling under a heap of rubble, attempting to wipe off and cover my injuries.

I used to find joy in days like these, where the sun hid between the clouds and a gentle rain shower made the outside smell earthy, and the puddles were oh-so tempting to jump in. Childhood memories like these are all I have left to comfort myself, watching as the world I live in now transforms into a nightmare.

It feels like my flesh is burning. This pile of rubble isn’t exactly a safe place to hide– drops of nuclear rain occasionally drip down from the cracks and holes in its miserable structure and slash onto my skin, presenting me with an uncomfortable and burning sensation.

…Fuck it. I’m making it out of here alive. I shouldn’t be resting. I have to find safety. I have to know if people are still alive… I don’t know if I can do this alone. Without her. I never realized how much I struggled alone, until she brightened up my life.

I cover as much skin up as I can with the torn clothes I have left, walking back out into the open, in a faster, determined pace. I don’t care if it hurts anymore. I’m going to find help. …And hopefully some food first. My stomach is completely empty, it’s almost been a week since I ate. I turn my back to the pile of rubble and continue walking out into the distance.

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