I secured the old bus we’ve decided to take shelter in for probably the fifth time tonight. It’s been hours since Cornella fainted. I was preparing another rag with cold water when Amie yelled for me.

“Big brother! Big brother! Sissy’s awake!”

I rushed to the back of the bus where I carried my sister. It seemed like the safest spot. Right next to the back door; our escape route. Sure enough, Cornelia’s eyes were open, but not completely focused.

“W-where are we? What happened?” She questioned as franticly as she could in her groggy state. She was trying to sit up.

“Sh sh sh. It’s okay. You fainted and I brought you onto the bus.” I said, gently pushing her shoulders down. “Amie can you get another wet rag for sissy?” Amie skipped away.

“Hey, help me up.” Cornella demanded. I helped her up just as Amie appeared with the new rag.

“Thanks. Hey, why don’t you go play with those toys I found?”

“But I wanna stay with sissy!”

She wouldn’t leave Cornelia’s side ever since she fainted. Amie even fell asleep with her head on Nella’s chest.

“I know, but big brother needs to talk to sissy for a minute. But after you can show sissy those toys.”

Amie paused for a moment before saying “Okay!” and skipping back up the bus.

“Feeling any better?” I asked, tapping the tag on Cornella’s forehead.

“Yah. I’m still a bit dizzy though.” She admitted.

“I’ll get you some water.” As I started to leave, Cornella gently grabbed my arm.

“Wait. There’s something I need to tell you first.”

I sat down next to her and looked into her face. She had a sad look in her eyes. I watched as she brough up the hem of her dress and reviled the small bite on her calf. My eyes burned.

“Nella…” I looked at her. She was staring at me, studying my expression, tears rolling over her cheeks.

“Im sorry. I should’ve told you sooner. But you and Amie… I couldn’t find the time and—“

“You don’t have to apologize” I cried, grabbing her hand. “Never apologize. We’ll get to Alexandria and they can help you. And-and-and—“

She put a hand on my cheek, and smiled that sad smile. I didn’t even realize my tears spilling over.

She looked in the direction of Amie’s playing. “You know there’s no saving me. You know… I had never been so close to giving up, and yet still managed to keep on fighting. It’s all thanks to you two.” She looked back at me. “I wanted to stop so many times and let you guys go ahead, but it didn’t feel right at the time… but now” she looked around, “I think I can do it here.”

“No!” I shouted, then looked toward Amie and brought down my voice. “You’re not dying here.”

Cornella shook her head. “I’m not gonna make it. You guys still have a chance.” She said in a soft voice. “You’re going to let me have some time with Amie, then you’re going to take her hand and bring her to Alexandria for me.”

I shook my head, then nodded. Wiping the tears away I walked over to Amie.

I walked back towards my sisters. Amie’s cheeks were stained with tears as she told Cornella about her toys.

“Amie, can I have some time with sissy before we go. There’s a bag for your toys near the door.”

“Okay.” She sniffled and walked away.

“It’s time for you to go.” Cornella said.

“Mhm.” My eyes stung again. I took her hand in mine and placed my gun in it.

“I can’t take this. You need to protect yourselves.” She pushed it back in my hand.

“I have my knife.”

“No”

“Please!” Tears fell into our hands. My tears.

Cornella paused and took the gun.

“This is the safety. You just need to do this and you can use it.” I stepped back and started to turn away.

With all her strength, Nella jumped off the seat and hugged me with all her might. She cried. Said she’d miss us. Told me to live.

When she let go, she had a look of resignation. “I love you both.”

I nodded and walked up the bus aisle. Took Amie’s hand, and walked off the bus. Five minutes later, we heard the bang.

I collapsed on to the ground and hugged Amie tight, and sobbed my heart out.