11.1 Departure

After another moment of silence you finally let out an audible sigh. You turn slightly to face the man head on while rubbing your sore side. After brushing more sweaty locks out of your face, you finally address him.

"Maybe you're right." You begin slowly, trying to mask the relief in your voice. "I don't want to slow you down."

James' face contorts slightly at your words, however, you're not blind to the energetic spark in his eyes. After quickly tilting his head away from your view he finally speaks.

"The hangar has enough supplies to last two people for a while..."

He doesn't need to finish the sentence for you know what it is he's insinuating. As far as he's concerned, so long as he's not condemning you to immediate ****, he's hardly concerned with your hereafter. Disregarding this unfortunate fact, you fake a hopeful smile.

"I can say you went ahead and got lost." You convincingly lie while leaning down to unlace your boot. "You'll have much better luck on your own anyway."

James' head remains turned away from you as he nods appreciatively. A mix of solace and regret fills you as you silently slip the real map out of your shoe. It's hardly of any consequence to you as you have already made a true replica. Still, you can't help feeling as if you're guaranteeing the young man's ultimate demise. Pausing briefly before you hand the item to him, you reluctantly speak up.

"Are you sure you want to risk this?" You ask tentatively, keeping your gaze averted from his distant one. "There's a good chance the campsite was also wiped out..."

The man's face fleetingly looks over at you before briskly looking away again.

"It's a chance I have to take." He replies softly, still keeping his eyes downcast. You offer him a subtle nod of understanding then straighten your shoulders. The outline of the maps replica presses into the side of your heal painfully. Ignoring this, you slowly slide down the trunk of the tree you're currently leaned against. Once you're seated, you let out a deep sigh.

"Then, I wish you the best of luck." You respond honestly as you're hardly keen on any of the remaining population dwindling. "Perhaps, if we're fortunate, we'll meet again."

James pauses again prior to straightening up and finally turning to face you. His expression is a cloudy mess of torn emotions. However, he's unable to mask the apparent approval in your decision. Regardless of your help, his own preservation is clearly his top priority.

"I hope so too." He mutters half-heartedly while pulling off his backpack.

You're rather surprised when he hands you one of the water flasks along with a half a day's worth of rations. Nodding in gratitude, you silently slip the items into your satchel while remaining seated. After a somewhat awkward goodbye, you find yourself unexpectedly alone, again.