Chapter Twenty

I wake up on the shore. I don't know exactly where I am, but there is blood. So much blood. And it's everywhere.

"Ryan?" I say , but he doesn't answer.

"Ryan," I repeat, more urgency this time.

"Ryan!" I scream, but once again, I am met with nothing but silence.

I force myself to sit up. To look around.

There's no sign of Ryan.

I stumble over to the water. I want to look for him, but I'm so exhausted. I'm no good to anyone like this. Maybe if I rest, I'll feel like I can go on. Right now, it all just feels to heavy.

I lie down in the sand--to tired to even make it to a tree or find cover. The moment my head hits the ground, I am asleep. I don't know how long I am out, but I think it must be hours. I try to sit up, but it's a struggle.

I am in so much pain. All I want to do is lay down--to give up.

But I can't. I have to find Ryan.

I walk to the water and look for footprints.

I can barely walk at this point.

My leg is aching and swollen.

I'm covered in blood and sweat, bu