12
Kerina
The sun beats down on me. My drink bottle has been empty for two days. A water source is my top priority, but I know it will be hard to come by in the wasteland. My companion’s body slumps beside me. Her body is unwilling to go any further.
‘Get up, Lariel. You can’t stop now.’ I pull my friend to a seated position. Her head flops forward, but she doesn’t respond. ‘You can’t give up. We have to keep moving or they’ll find us.’
Lariel makes no sound. I shake her, but still nothing.
I scream, thumping the ground. ‘Arrgghh.’ I sob, but no tears form.
I drag Lariel toward the tree for what little shade there is. She groans as she leans against it. A sign that she is not dead, at least. Her lips are cracked and her face is blotchy and peeling.
‘Lariel! Stay with me. You can res
