Work in Progress

A Story by AmbiguousRobot

Civilization falls to a catastrophic world war. Victoria is just a 17 year old kid trying to survive and find the only person she has left...

His breath caught the winter air, instantly cascading into the night sky. We watched our breath for a while, not saying anything until a particularly loud truck came by. We both smiled, remembering that night on the highway. It was getting colder as we sat on the metal bench, as if reading my mind James took my hand in his. “Do you want to know a secret?” he asked, his eyes brightening at the mystery he created. I looked into his eyes, almost taken aback at the completely serious gaze he was giving me; “Sure”. He got up, taking my hand with him and gently tugging me up. He held me close, taking both my hands in his and swaying me along. “I have no idea what I’m doing.” He whispered into my ear, his breath warm on my neck. I laughed, not only at his ‘secret’ but simply because James made me happy. We danced, my arms wrapped around his neck, his arms around my waist. Well maybe just moved on the spot for a while; neither of us knowing how to dance. James spun me around, careful not to slip on the ice underneath us. Although it was freezing, my entire body had a certain kind of warmth that interlocked with his. “Hey.” James suddenly said, his voice almost deafening in the silence of the night. “I actually wanted to say something else on the bench…” I looked at him, wondering if my amusement reached my face, “Oh?” He smiled, “I’m…in love with you.” My face felt hot and I was sure I was having a mini heart attack but I smiled at him. “I’m in love with you…too.” We laughed together, an attempt to release some of the tension in our chests. But suddenly we stopped, only looking into each other’s eyes as we leaned closer and closer. His grip on my waist tightened as we both pulled each other closer. Finally our lips met the contact electrifying and new. It didn’t last long because James pulled back, determined to talk; “Um...” he started. But I stopped him, I was determined myself. I’ve fantasized about this moment too many times for it to end with one kiss. I leaned in again, pressing my lips firmly on his. He reacted instantly, our kisses becoming intensified with every passing breath. We made out for a while before finally coming up for air. His face was flushed, and I was positive mine was to. We smiled dumbly at each other, unsure of what to say. But we realized there was nothing to be said so we held hands and began to walk back.

My eyes snapped open, confused at the memory. It seemed so real this time that I almost didn’t get up. But I had new responsibilities now, I had to move. I hadn’t dreamed about James in so long, it was a special treat. I even managed to smile as I remembered that night. I slowly got off the cold cement ground and dragged my feet to the window. I looked out the dirt tinted thing out at the dark sky, even the stars seemed to be brighter then. Now they were distant and dull, having lost their magnificence in time and pain. I placed my hand on the glass, missing the foggy dream more and more. No, I thought trying to snap myself out of it. I don’t have time to go there now. I dusted my hand off on my already filthy pants and gathered the blankets off the floor. Grapping my pack, I started to move towards the boarded up entrance I made. My heart stopped as I suddenly remembered. I flipped around, almost running to the only thing keeping me alive. I found the silver weapon where I left it; right next to where I slept. I lifted it off the floor, turning it in my hands. A .44 magnum 629, that’s what my dad called it. Dad; pain rang through my body. I stashed the gun roughly in the holster slung across my waist. I refused to think about that right now, I had to focus but most importantly I couldn’t feel.

The air hung like a blanket a cross the farm. I looked back at the shack that provided me shelter for the night. It was rusted, almost falling apart. Strangely enough, a mirror hung on the front of the thing. How in god’s name did this survive? I walked towards the circular glass. I could see now that a noticeable scratch ran across the surface. I looked at myself, almost stepping back at the filthy creature that faced me. My once dark brown hair was now covered in a layer of grim that made it look more black that anything. Actually, my whole body was covered in a layer of dirt; my hands and legs especially. Not to mention the numerous cuts and bruises I had. I was surprised I hadn’t got an infection yet. I touched my once flawless face, now covered in scratches. My green eyes stood out most of all, aside from my lips which were chapped beyond relieve. I had gotten extremely tanner as well, with hiking all day it was expected. My long hair was a tangled mess and keeping it in a bun for a month didn’t exactly help. Starting out to the city ruins, I had thought that finding a water source wouldn’t be particularly hard. But the rivers and lakes were all polluted now and the only water I managed to find had been bottled. I decided bathing wasn’t as important as getting hydrated. But at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if I didn’t get sick soon. I decided that bathing was now top priority and started to look around the farm for a well or water pump. All the crops had died long before I got there so the water source for the sprinklers was obviously a no. Going into the farm house scared me, which was the whole reason I slept in the shack instead. But dawn was approaching and I felt safer in the light of day. I looked towards my destination. The farm house was falling to pieces, which was funny to me. It seemed the shack was better off after all. It was perched on a large hill, the white paint peeling off on the sides. As I got closer, I could see that the house was in serious need of repair. Its roof almost caving in and most of the windows broken, I was surprised it was still standing. By the time I reached the door I realized that it was unlikely that there could be any bathing water. But I had wasted valuable energy climbing the hill already; it was worth a look inside at least. I opened the red door, its hinges in dire need of oil. I stepped inside, the wooden floor creaking under my weight. The sun had finally risen; sun streamed into the house through windows and cracks in the walls. I headed straight ahead through a narrow hallway, avoiding the mold ridden staircase to my right. “The last thing I need is a broken leg” I absently said, my voice echoing. There were still pictures on the walls; I glanced at a happy Spanish family waving at the camera and wondered where they were now. If they were still alive.

The kitchen was in rough shape and it was obvious someone had already scrounged the remaining supplies. I opened the first drawer I saw, surprised to see the silver wear untouched. I picked up a small spoon and noticed the engraving, this was real silver. What a find, I thought; my heart quickening. Some of the surviving towns I had already passed through had a high trade rate for the stuff. I threw all of it into my pack, excited to find whatever else that was hiding in this place. The kitchen didn’t have anything else except old cereal and a couple rats. I lost my excitement as I searched the large dining room. There was delicate china and wine glasses but nothing of value I could actually carry. I was searching an old dresser in the living room when I heard it; footsteps. My heart nearly stopped, someone was directly behind me. I froze, only moving my hand slowly to my holster. “Don’t even think about it girl.” A gruff voice said. Damn! A million things raced through my mind before the man spoke again. “Now, slowly turn towards me with your hands on your head.” He commanded. I obeyed, my heart dropping into my stomach as I faced the man holding a shotgun to my head. I noticed right away that he was Spanish, making me wonder if this was his house. The man was noticeably old, grey hair slicken across his head matched with a short beard. His face was happily wrinkled but he looked as solemn as any of us these days. “Get up.” He said. I stood up as delicately as I could, trying not to make an excuse for him to shot. He motioned to a light green lounge chair that had seen better days. I sat, the man dragging a chair to face me. He looked me over, obviously wondering what to do. “I’m sorry I took your silver wear, I didn’t realize anyone still lived here.” I said, my voice almost shaking. “Silver wear?” he asked, looking confused. He looked around, the shotgun held steady towards my heart now. He noticed the pictures and realization spread across his face. “No, I don’t care about that, I don’t live here. I was just getting the jump on you before you did anything stupid.” He said. I instantly regretted what I said, praying to god he doesn’t decide to kill me for the silver. He must have seen the fear in my eyes because he instantly relaxed and smirked at me. “You’re just a scared kid aren’t you?” he stated, not looking for a response. “What’s someone like you doing all the way out here? You don’t look older than 16.” He said. I straightened up, “I’m 17 actually.” He smiled now, amused at my defense. “I’m Doug by the way.” He said, offering his hand for me to shake. “Victoria…nice to meet you.” I said, shaking his hand.

© 2013 AmbiguousRobot

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Alexander Rodgers

Noticed one mistake ''right next to wear I slept.'' Wear should be where. But besides that, I like this. I'm wondering what happened to the Earth that most cities are ruins, and why this girl is on her own, searching for goods. Good premise, and although its simplistic it gets to the point and I can see the story clearly. Overall good work, keep it up!