“Zach, I’m giving you a choice, like you asked me to.”
“I appreciate that, but it’s not really a choice. No place is safe. No choice is without risk. And if I have a chance to be with you? Especially if I can make a real difference? There’s only one option. Tell me you feel the same way too.”
“Yes, of course,” I say, but I’m not sure how well I sell it.
“Okay,” Zach says, but his eyes are narrow. “We’re in this together until the end, no matter what. Right?”
“Right.”
I say it instinctively because I’m too afraid to say any differently with the way Zach reacted. I’ll stand by his side under all circumstances except one. I willnotlet Zach die for my cause. I care for him more than I can express. A few weeks ago, I wasn’t sure I was capable of this level of emotion anymore. And it’s come on quicker and more intensely than it ever has before.
If the choice ever came to where us splitting up could save his life, then that’s what I’ll do, even if it means losing Zach.
Chapter Thirty-Two
No Good Options
ZACH
We wake up before dawn the next day, prepared to leave. Curtis cooks up a wonderful breakfast to send us off. But nobody is in a chatty mood. I stare down at my food for nearly the entire meal. Curtis has been such a good friend, and I’ll miss him.
As we finish the last bites, Curtis breaks the silence. “Boys, there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
Aiden and I look up. Curtis’s eyebrows wrinkle, and his face is strained.
“There’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll blurt it right out. I’m not long for this world.”
My chest tightens. “Don’t talk like that. You’ve got years ahead of you.” I search his eyes for reassurance.
“I’m afraid not. Just before the Great Collapse, I was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer. The doctor said I had six months tops. I’ve beat that by a long shot, but I can tell things are getting worse. At this point, every day is a gift.” He lets out a little laugh, but his eyes look glassy.
I reach over and hug him.
“Oh, Curtis, I’m so sorry,” Aiden joins in.
“Hey, I’ve had a good life. And helping you two out has meant a lot to me. I have few regrets.”
The tears are flowing freely now, and Aiden looks the same. I’ve only known Curtis for a few days, but he’s one of the kindest and most gentle people I’ve ever met.
“What I said earlier about you two coming back? I meant it. When you’re finished doing whatever it is you need to do, this place can be yours. I’d be happy to know there’d be somebody caring for it.”
“We’d like that,” I say, and Aiden nods in agreement.
“And please, don’t forget to deliver that letter,” Curtis says.
I tap the left breast pocket of my jacket, where I’ve stowed the letter. “I won’t forget.”
Curtis is generous to a fault. He outfits us with a new backpack to make up for our lost one. He stocks it full of food that will travel well. Cured meat, hard cheeses, and some fruits and vegetables. He also gives me a vial filled with oral antibiotics to ensure I fully recover from my leg wound.
We gather outside as the sun peaks over the horizon. There’s no more delaying. Now is the time we must leave. Aiden gives Curtis a big hug, and I follow suit.
“Thank you so much for everything,” I say, burying my face in his shoulder.
“I only did what any other decent person would do.”
There’s not a dry eye among us.
As we start to walk away, Curtis yells out to us. “Watch out for those nasty folks looking for you. Stay clear of the main roads and freeways. And always watch your back.”
