12.1 Despair

The first few days alone are the hardest as you acclimate to both solitude and survival. Your time in the forest is short spent as you're aware of a nearby road that leads toward the border. Tired of the uneven terrain, and aware it will provide a more direct path, you had quickly made your way towards it. Using the knowledge you've acquired since the catastrophe you've been able to hunt and forge enough food to get by. Regardless, you're anxious to hopefully regroup with others sooner than later. You've forgotten how taxing it can be both physically and mentally to be without aid or companionship.

The road you find yourself on is narrow and shows major signs of distress. It seems this area was not left untouched by the celestial event. The even landscape you had hoped for is instead a rocky and jagged stretch. Having also failed to account for the lack of shade, you quickly find yourself unbearably hot. Torn between remaining covered from the sun or slowly melting in your clothes, you eventually peel off some of the increasingly damp layers. The sun's scorching rays reflect off your progressively tan, edging on burnt skin.

With each passing day your journey begins feeling all the more hopeless. By your estimation it could be another week before you reach the outskirts of the nearest town. The weather worn and slightly demolished sign you passed by the other day informed you of your arrival to the neighboring state. However, given the rural landscape in this area its doubtful you'll make it to any major landmarks. You'll be lucky if you make it to your current destination before the heat or dehydration overtakes you. Pushing this thought to the back of your mind, you **** yourself to continue on. After all, you had been in a similar situation prior to reaching the hangar and survived.

The knowledge this was primarily in part to James finding you threatens to make itself more known. Somewhat fortunately you're finding it quite hard to concentrate as each day grows more unbearable. Though the events leading to your current predicament have made it all but impossible to have any spiritual thoughts, you hazily mutter a prayer under your breath. Regrettably, the cloudless sky shows no sign of rain regardless of your pleading. In spite of your initial drive, you're increasingly resigning yourself to the possibility of failure and ultimately demise. As if to confirm this, the ground beneath you shifts with your next step. Instant pain fills you as you stumble to your knees. The searing and rugged concrete tears against your skin, ripping part of it in the process.

Smoldering from the heat and completely frustrated you scream a string of curse words out into the vastness before you. Angry tears well in your eyes while you gingerly try to wipe some of the blood away. You can feel where loose gravel has embedded itself into your soft flesh. Completely exhausted and demoralized, you slowly lean back against the scorching ground. The bright sky above is blinding, though you hardly care as you continue staring upward. A gentle breeze floats through but does little to ease your discomfort. The air around is thick and heavy, settling densely in your chest. Eventually your eyes begin drifting shut as you feel the last of your strength dissipate.