The Badass Protector

Iris

I STAYED at the watchtower when Colt left.

I formed into a ball, crying my eyes out for as long as I could, hoping to ease away my pain.

It was difficult to recall the excruciating things I’d experienced and seen. I’d never expected to survive, but I held on to the thought of my brother’s last words, which gave me hope somehow.

I never had a close friend after the outbreak. My brother always reminded me not to trust anyone and never let my guard down because that could put me in danger or hurt me-then, he said that I should trust my instinct before he died.

The friendship I had with Lois was something special-I found a sister figure in her-she took care of me, treated me like everyone around, then it hurt to think that it was about to end.

Before sunrise, I passed by the grave of Colton-just at the back of Colt’s cabin. It was peaceful here-Colt must have gone to sleep, which was a good thing.

After I placed the cucumber flower on his grave, I whispered, “Hi. You’re probably asking who I am, aren’t you? I’m Iris, by the way, and your brother told me so much about you that you’re a great brother to him. He gave me some of your shirts like what I am wearing now. I hope you don’t mind.” I looked down at my maroon shirt had a printed quote, ‘Look up, and you see the light.’

“I just wanna say thank you. Just look out for him where ever you are. Do you think you can do that for me, the real Colton?”

I was pretty shaken up about what happened. Colt just left me there. And here I thought we had something, and it speared my chest that it meant nothing to him.

I took a deep breath when tears filled my eyes. I wished I could tell Lois I was leaving, but I didn’t think I could go when she stopped me.

When I reached the gate, Darick eyed me suspiciously. “Morning.”

“Morning. Going somewhere?” He then noticed the backpack.

“My stay is over. So, I’m heading south.” I tried to smile, but it was harder than I thought. I had to look down.

“Alone?”

“Yeah. Unless you wanna come with me.”

“Does anyone know about this? How come no one tells me?” Judging by how he looked at me, he was not convinced by my reasoning, and I couldn’t let him figure out that I was lying.

“Well, here I am now to tell you. You can go and ask Gael. I’ll watch the gate until you come back.”

He studied me once again. “Okay. Wait right here.”

I pulled the gate open when he was gone. I bolted out as fast as possible toward the trees. I couldn’t stay right on the muddy road as someone could easily track me and follow my trail.

When the camp’s view faded, I slowed my pace. I could hardly catch my breath in exhaustion.

Breathing heavily, I placed my hands on my knees. Then I realized I didn’t have any plan, no place to go, and worse, I was alone.

I looked around and let tears prick my eyes.

God, I was so damn stupid!

I let a sad smile curve up my lips as I reminisced happy memories with my brother.

The things I liked about camping with him were the forest and the fresh smell of the earth. I enjoyed waking up in the morning and going out of the tent to see the light dancing on the glittering morning dew against the leaves.

I always loved butterflies and bees. They were the reason why we still have food on our plates.

I loved outdoors, watching bees fluttering close to the wildflowers, the sounds of the insects, and the moss and mushrooms growing on the dead logs.

I had fun, so much fun. My chest constricted with those beautiful memories, and there was no chance I could do it again with him.

It felt like yesterday that I could still feel drenched with dew on my clothes and fingertips.

Right now, I could appreciate every tiny detail of the forest if it happened to be not in the circumstances like this.

“Don’t move!”

A gasp escaped from my lips, and I instantly halted.

My heartbeat accelerated, making me even harder to breathe.

Shit!

Surrendering, I raised my hands. “I won’t tell a soul, I promise. Just let me go, p-please? “My tears fell, teeth tattering.

God, can’t he just let me go peacefully?

With weakened knees, I turned around slowly.

“Damn it, Iris! I told you. Not. A. Single. Move,” he commanded, gritting his teeth. His words almost vibrated into my bones-he was beyond pissed.

“Damn it, Colton. I’m not gonna die with a hole at the back of my head.” A loud sob erupted from me.

“And you wanna die with a booby trap instead?”

My world stopped.

Huh? Oh, shit!

He must be walking toward me because I could hear the crouching of twigs under his heavy footsteps.

“Colt, report. Did you find her?” Gael’s voice interrupted us over the walkie-talkie.

“Yes, she’s with me, but she’s gonna split in half by a booby trap you planted if she makes a single move right now. Under her feet.” His words were directed at me.

My breathing hitched. “Just go, Colton.”

“Huh! And you’re planning on leaving us without a word? What a pretty excellent idea, Iris.”

“I did my part last night, didn’t I? And you pointed a gun at me for the second time and shot me.” I hiccuped, sobbed, and cried harder.

“I didn’t shoot you. I wouldn’t miss it if I wanted you dead.” He seemed to find it hard to let out those words, but it didn’t change the fact that he fired a shot.

“So, by tormenting me was your best idea?”

Colt sighed deeply.

Seconds later, I found myself lifted by strong arms and held against his hard chest.

“What are you doing?” My arm snaked around his thick neck as if nothing had happened earlier, and my body and my stupid heart thought it was the right thing to do.

“Taking you out of the booby.” His breathing tickled the back of my ear, making my body aware of how close our faces were to each other.

Heat radiated through me. I could feel his racing heartbeat against my arm. I could smell him; manly, sweaty, and earthy.

“You don’t have to come and save me, you know? That’s the purpose of exiling; sending to a death trap.”

My sarcasm made him huff.

“What?”

“You exiled yourself.”