(Viewpoint: Chetan)
I'm no longer expecting a response.
In any case, there won't be any.
I turn my back on him.
If he wants to follow, let him follow.
That doesn't change anything.
Eugene's weight sinks a little deeper into my shoulder with each step. My muscles burn, but I grit my teeth. There's no question of slowing down.
Around us, the ruins stretch out without logic. Concrete blocks, open like carcasses, pierced by thick, almost living roots. Some structures still stand, leaning, as if they refuse to fall.
I don't want to spend the night here
I slow down as I approach a half-collapsed building. One facade still standing, two walls intact, and a closed corner.
Sufficient.
Without thinking further, I step forward and place Eugene against the most stable wall. He slides slightly, but stays in place.
I only give him a quick glance.
He's breathing.
That's enough.
I'm getting to work.
Pause
Silence
–........
I don't know how to make a fire...
That's stupid
I abandon that idea and take what's still standing, tearing out what can be used. A metal plate, a piece of frame, solid debris. I wedge them at the entrance, adjusting each angle until the passage becomes narrow.
I finally straighten up.
The air is too still and cold.
Even my own movements seem stifled.
I turn around and look through the cracks, Roum is still there, at the same distance.
As if it had been planted in the ground.
I stare at him for a moment.
He held his arm against his chest, motionless. The dark veins that ran up to his neck barely pulsed.
His eyes weren't looking at me since he was always staring at the ground.
– Go in or stay out.
My voice is low.
It doesn't matter.
He doesn't move.
I shrug and turn away.
I finally sit down, with my back against the wall.
My muscles suddenly gave way.
Not completely, I don't know what danger surrounds us.
Especially this thing staring right in front of us
I occasionally glance up at the opening.
Still nothing.
He's not moving, he doesn't look tired.
I couldn't even close my eyes, not for a second.
Not even one.
My back hairs are standing on end.
A movement catches my attention.
I turn my head.
Eugene.
Her fingers are finally moving.
I immediately straighten up and move closer.
Her face tensed slightly, then her eyes opened, blurry, disoriented.
– …Chetan…?
Its regeneration is complete.
- Yeah.
He tries to sit up. I hold him firmly with one hand.
– Stay lying down.
He breathes harder, looks around him.
His eyes wander over the walls, the debris, the vegetation.
Then they stop.
Behind me.
I don't need to turn around.
– …what is this…?
I sigh.
– Roum.
Silence.
Eugene stares at the figure, his gaze remaining impassive.
– he doesn't attack.
Eugene added nothing.
Time passes.
Or it stagnates.
It's hard to say.
Eugene is breathing better now. His regeneration is doing its job.
I, for one, am staying awake.
Always.
It's impossible to completely relax.
I fix the opening.
A noise.
Light.
I raise my head instantly.
Roum moved.
His head is turned outwards.
His shoulders tensed slightly.
I get up slowly.
Eugene is looking at me.
- What…?
I'm not answering.
– sschuuuuu!
I stare at Roum.