Page 57 of Them

“What happened last night?” Lane asked as he swept his light over the slimy green surface of an ancient water fountain. “It’s like you flipped a switch.”

Tim didn’t answer. Just stared into the algae.

“We can skip that question, if you want.”

“Is this an interrogation?”

Okay, Lane thought, still a little on edge. “Trying to get to know you, is all. You’re the first person I’ve seen in nearly six years.”

“Same for you. Living, anyway.”

“It must’ve been a long and gruesome road.”

“I guess so. This winter will mark my second year.”

“Since?”

“Since I stood up and started walking.”

They left the fountain, winding through lush gardens of overgrown shrubbery.

“Where was that?” Lane asked. “Your starting point?”

“Florida. Everglades University.”

“Jesus, you came that far?”

“I was sick of sitting still. Weren’t you?”

Lane thought about it. “No. I’m looking forward to a moment’s rest, just not until my work’s done.”

“And what’s that? I still don’t know.”

“I’ve got a story to tell. That’s all. For whoever’s willing to hear me out.”

“But you want to hear mine first?”

“I think I’ve just missed listening. Learning. Been worrying too much about what I was going to say.”

Tim smiled. “Y’know what? Me too.”

“Make a trade then?” Lane asked. “A story for a story.”

The young man stopped and reached out his hand, eyes soft and wanting in the flame. “Deal.”

Lane shook it. “Let’s find someplace to sit down then. My knees are killing me.”

Tim’s eyes widened in concern. “You’re right. Let’s sit.”

The elder man waved him off. “It’s fine. Just getting old, that’s all. Here, these’ll do.”

A pair of wooden benches faced one another, flanking either side of the overgrown path. Lane took the left, Tim the right.

“How’d you survive?” Lane asked. “Said you’ve only been out here two years. What about the other three or four?”

Tim sat down, stretched his arms over the back of the bench, and gazed skyward. “It was four years, I guess. November 2024. After New York. That’s where my mom was, so… I don’t know. I felt done.”

Lane’s heart dropped. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that earlier.”