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“It’s not too bad,” Akara says, but he’s favoring his right aret a better view of his back Long clawhis shoulder blade With the dirt and blood, I can’t tell how deep they are

My stoood, Kits”

“I’ my body for noticeable injuries

I keep trehten on the gun It’s the only thing that feels controlled Steady

Banks unzips a backpack and pulls out a water bottle A scratch runs across his bicep about as deep as the one on Akara’s back He offers me water, but I shake my head

“You two have worse injuries,” I say “I’m certain mine are superficial cuts”

Banks and Akara share a look “Just take a sip,” Banks says “We’ll all have one”

With my free hand, I accept the water bottle andthe water for them Akara rolls his eyes when I pass him the bottle

“We need to get back to caives Banks the rest “We have a First-Aid kit there”

“You ht need stitches, Kits,” I breathe

He shakes his head “I’ll be fine with soe It’s too far a hike back to the RV caht Farrow can look at it tomorrow”

Banks nods like this is a good idea

I realize they’re both incredibly fucking stubborn, but they’re also weighing pros and cons It’s their job to assess risks in situations

Akara goes to stand, but Banks puts a hand on his leg “Wait a sec,” Banks says “We should keep sitting and breathing until both of you stop shaking”

“I’,” Akara refutes

“Left hand”

Akara holds it up Sure enough, his palm quakes “Shit”

“Why aren’t you shaking?” I ask Banks

“I was It just stopped earlier” He passes ainst ht We’re all safe It’s over”

It’s over

I take a bigger swig The water goes down like a knot

It could have been so much worse Maybe I should be thankful that I’m alive to tell this story, but I just see the ani noise he or shebreathless feet away No heartbeat I took that soul