Ryan’s heart felt lighter; his walking pace was back to normal, and he was not as sluggish as before. He didn’t know about getting sleep tonight or how long time had passed. However, it still felt good to let all that out and have someone lend an ear. He still wasn’t sure if he agreed with everything Yuna said, but he wouldn’t dismiss it all either.

  There were people here that cared about him, to the point where they’d put their lives on the line just to save him. Ryan wanted to return the favor; he’d do what it took to get on everyone’s good sides. That was one thing he’d promise to himself. Even if it meant putting up with Mike some more, but if it meant getting treated like an equal, so be it.

  He’d speak his mind with him in the morning, the first chance he’d get. He’d have to word it correctly so that–

  Ryan didn’t watch where he walked and accidentally bumped into someone on the way back. He staggered back and apologized, only to look up at the figure standing in front of him.

  “Oh, hey, Mike...”

  “Hey, where have you been?” He asked, crossing his arms. “It’s getting late.”

  “I know, but I was talking with Yuna downstairs.” Ryan held his hands up, realizing how bad that might’ve sounded. “I wasn’t planning anything, I promise.”

  Mike arched an eyebrow. “Okay? But—”

  “I’m heading to bed now, if you’re wondering.”

  “No, I actually wanted to talk to you.”

  “Me?” Ryan pointed at himself. Did he hear that correctly? “About what?”

  “Meet me outside on the balcony.”

  “We have a balcony?”

  “Yes, technically. It’s connected to the second floor, though. As you know, we blocked off the higher floors for…” Mike paused. “Obvious reasons. We have a fire escape that can lead to the rooftop. But we normally only use that for emergencies.”

  “Oh.”

  “If you’re wondering, one of the first things I did was call on my phone.” Mike looked away. “Even on the school roof, I couldn’t get any signal.”

  So, it’s true. It didn't even matter...

  It still didn't change that he missed his shot with the factory roof, but he could do nothing about it now. At least with the school roof, he didn't need to worry about not acting sooner and risking getting bit. Still, something else had dawned on his mind, but he’d save that for later.

  Whatever it was, it seemed important enough to discuss it one-on-one. Still, Ryan didn't want to pass up on this opportunity, since he wanted to speak with him, anyway. Since Mike was awake and initiated the conversation, it didn't feel right to turn him down, even after what they'd been through so far.

  And so, Mike led the way to a secret safe spot, with Ryan following close behind.

  On the way there, Ryan glanced at the stacks of desks by the flight of stairs; his heart dropped. If what Mike said was true, then something was in there. It was so bad that they needed to block that entryway completely. He counted his lucky stars, thankful for listening to his gut that day.

  Hate to say it, but good thing I didn’t go through there.

  Mike made it to the end of a wall and opened one specific window. He turned and motioned for Ryan to come along. Ryan didn’t seem certain about going over the window until he came closer and looked down. Sure enough, there was a walkway underneath. He stepped over and planted his feet on the platform. It shook a little at first, but held two people’s weight just fine.

  The platform itself was rather small, even with the railing out on the front—but at least it was to move around on. The stairs that led to the lower floors looked like they either broke apart or fell off somehow. There were stairs that led to higher floors, but Ryan couldn’t imagine how bad it got on the roof, if the blocked entryway was any indication. Across from the platform was a pipe that led straight down. It was also a little crooked, like it wouldn’t last for much longer. It still held on in spite of that.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Mike walked over to rest his elbows on the railing, staring at the horizon. Ryan was about to comment on how dangerous it was, when he leaned back and looked up, slack-jawed. The moon was visible in the sky, and only a few clouds were out. He couldn't make out what Mike saw on the horizon or wondered if he was just lost in thought. He didn't blame him if it was the latter.

  Mike pulled a water bottle from his back pocket and took a few swigs. Ryan didn't know where this was going, so he thought about breaking the silence. The suspense put him on edge, even with the invitation.

  “So, what was it you wanted to talk about?” He asked.

  Mike finished drinking and said, “It’s about our expedition earlier today.” He wiped his mouth. “I saw you back there, what you were trying to do.”

  “Oh, don’t remind me.” Ryan rolled his eyes and muttered. If it was just to get scolded again, he’d rather go back to bed.

  “It wasn’t a bad idea. In fact, it was a valiant effort.” Mike turned around to face him. “Now, I don’t know if you were calling to ask for help to take just you away or if you had all of us in mind. I probably don’t even know what you’re going through, especially the state you were in when we found you. But I can understand and empathize with you on other things.”

  Ryan arched an eyebrow, not yet buying what he was saying. “And those are?”

  “The desire to escape and make it out of here alive. The struggle to keep it together and not lose hope. Also, the desperation and lengths you would go to go back to the life you had before. It sucks, it really does.”

  He walked over to place a hand on his shoulder. “But whatever it is you’re going through, I want to let you know that you’re not alone in this, not anymore.”

  “Why are you telling me all this?” Ryan asked, shaking his head. “And why hadn’t you told me that sooner?”

  “I...” Mike hesitated, answering right away. He lowered his arm and looked away. “To be honest, I didn’t think you’d have listened in the state you were in before.” He twisted the bottle cap back on. “I also didn’t think you’d want to hear that from someone like me, who’s been antagonizing you from the beginning.”

  “I wouldn’t say it like that.” Ryan waved it off, trying to come off as playful. He probably came off condescending on accident. “More like, suspicious? Even when I was…” He also hesitated, unsure how to word it. “You know, you had no way of knowing what I was capable of or what I could do.”

  “I’m looking out for everyone here. Someone has to do it, keep us all sane and united.” Mike placed a hand on the rail, his hand gripping it tightly. “They’re all so eager to trust you so easily, just because you’re another survivor. The first normal person we’ve come across since all this went down. We shouldn’t get too comfortable with someone we barely know.”

  “Yeah, that makes sense.” Ryan joined him near the railings now. “It would be bad in the long run if you’re not careful.”

  “Part of me kind of hoped you would just leave. So the others would get a wake-up call and not open up to others so easily.” Mike looked up at the moon. “But another small part of me wanted you to stay, for their sake. To give them something to believe in and something to live for.”

  “So you don’t want them to get carried away, but also don’t want them to lose faith in humanity?”

  “Look, I know you want to wake up from this nightmare we’re in. Believe me, we all do. But you can’t just wait for a miracle to happen or beat yourself up on things beyond your control.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying it’s not a good idea to focus on the past and what you could’ve done differently or the future that lies ahead while ignoring what’s going on in the present. Even if we never find a way out or finding you was a fluke, that won’t stop me. I’d rather focus on surviving here and now and living in the moment.”

  Ryan couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “It’s funny. Yuna said something similar to me. About wanting to live to the fullest and being lucky she’s with all of you.”

  “Is that so? That sounds like her, alright.” Mike couldn’t help but smile. “She really is something, isn’t she?”

  “Yeah.”

  Ryan owed Yuna an apology for ever doubting.

  “You want to know something, Mike? I was wrong about you, and I don’t think we started off on the right foot.”

  “You think so?: He turned to ask. “What gave that idea?”

  Huh? Have I been reading him wrong this whole time? Ryan shook his head, smiling. “Never mind, it’s nothing.”

  “Clearly not nothing. Although, given our situation when that occurred, I don’t think we could’ve had time for greetings and whatnot.”

  “That’s a good point. I don’t mind starting over from scratch, if it’s alright with you.”

  “I... suppose it wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

  The two turned to face each other underneath the moonlight. Extending their arms, they grabbed the other’s hands and shook on it.