“So this is what we fought to get to?” Rick paused, “Everything we went through and this is it.” Rick walks towards the fire and kicks an empty bucket, sending it into the dark.
“It’s not fair! Death is always out there waiting for us, and every time I think we’ve made it, every time I think we’re done, there’s always something more to do.” He paused, “Why can’t this just be finished already, why can’t this end!”
Riley walks up to him, pressing up against his chest, whispering in his ear, “Rick calm down, we all are feeling your frustration but I need you to be strong-“
He pushes her off him, “STRONG!” Rick angrier now, “Your answer to me is to stay strong…. All I’ve been is strong for you, I’m tired of it.” He unstraps his gun, points it towards the group behind Riley, slowly waving it left and right frightening the group.
“I’m tired of having to go through this…. I’m done!” Riley takes a step closer to Rick, “Don’t do this Rick, we can push through this, like we always do. You and me, don’t focus on anyone else, just you and me.”
Tears running down Riley’s cheeks, she says “Please don’t do this.”
Rick lowers his gun.
Riley takes another step towards him, “We can push through-“
Rick raises the muzzle to his temple, “I can’t do this anymore, I’m sorry Riley-“
The loud crack of the gun filled the air, and then silence. Only the crackling of the fire kept the silence from conquering the night.
Her group rushed to check if Rick was still breathing, as Riley stood staring at the body lying in front of her as people were rushing to check Rick’s pulse, she couldn’t move. The fire began burning a little fainter. Now she truly felt alone.