Not everyone fights.

*CRASH* The sound of breaking glass was audible as Marko broke the glass of an abandoned building. The bag on his back was filled with materials and some spare wood he had found. He glanced around… Surveying the area he could see, the dark pieces of wood peeking out, mold covered the wood. It seemed clear for now. He slipped in, glass crunching under his feet as he slipped around a corner. He saw several bags and shelves full of food! But it was all moldy and gross, He let out a sigh, it was getting annoying. Turning over several bags, hoping he might get lucky. He scanned shelves, tossing canned food aside when it was moldy. His brow curled in frustration. “I can’t let them starve…” Marko uttered under his breath.

As if a turn of good fortune, he found a small can of food, as well as some raw food. Not in mint condition sure, but he couldn’t afford to be picky in this situation. He grinned widely, his people wouldn’t die tonight! He pulled the can close, opening it a little. He didn’t smell any mold. Good enough. He stuffed it into his bag. “I can get Bruno to cook this up if I find some water, and luckily, we can boil it.” He felt victorious for a moment. Turning back, the dark engulfed him once more.

He let out a soft breath… He was trembling, joy? Or maybe fear… He heard footsteps ahead and quickly ducked behind some shelves, he could hear the mumbling of another person… “I can’t… I’m gonna starve to death…” The voice was pained; the sound of him slumping against a pillar echoed the near empty facility. Marko looked back- he had a can of food, some raw food, enough for 3 people. That’s all he had though, that guy could be no different… He stood silently and slowly… Walking over. “Hey… Sir… Are you alright…” The man was skinny, cheeks tight against the bone, it was clear he was starving. He grasped a water bottle in one hand, looking up. Marko needed that water for the food… “Hey, I wanna trade man… nothing crazy…” He slowly reached back, grabbing the can. The survivor eyed it desperately leaning forward. “What do you want for it- water?! TAKE IT!” He slid it over to him, which Marko did the same, stuffing the water bottle in his bag, the sound of the survivor clumsily opening it was heard, devouring it like an animal…

Marko looked away despite him being human. It was almost pitiful to see someone forced to eat like that. Marko knows his people could end up just the same. He turned away without another word, the survivor looked up, seeing his bag, filled slightly… “I- I need more…” The survivor pleaded to Marko. He looked back, a look of guilt. “I have only raw food, I’m sorry…” He spoke slightly trembling, give it a week, and Marko’s people could end up like that if not given the proper precautions. “Listen, come with me, I know a large community- I don’t live with them, but you can-” Marko was cut off by the wails of the man. “I CAN’T I CAN’T, THEY’LL KILL ME LIKE AN ANIMAL!” The survivor exclaimed, rolling forward. His hands shot up to his head as he stared into the floor as if someone was going to drag him away by his feet. “Why- what did you do?” He asked, crouching to meet him, but the man stopped making sense, rambling now.

He reached out, the man wriggling about and paused for a moment. Marko thought he had calmed down, only to be grabbed and pulled as the man tackled him. “NO- STOP IT!” He exclaimed, blocking his face from the man's blows. He eventually shoved him off, and stood, turning to run, but desperation lent the man a sudden burst of strength, and he caught Marko by the bag... and pulled him back. He had no choice- he had to fight lest he dies and leaves Bruno and Palve alone! He turned, throwing a punch at the man, desperate to get him off. The man staggered back, bleeding slightly. “Fuck- what can I use-” He noticed a plank and grabbed it “STAY BACK, DON’T MAKE ME HURT YOU MAN- COME ON! I JUST FED YOU!” He pleaded. The man held his head rambling “I’M STARVING, FEED ME MORE! YOU CAN’T LET ME DIE!” He wailed out before lunging forward, Marko swung the plank- a dull *THUD* bounced off the impact, blood splashed against the floor and walls of the hall he had found himself in. Marko looked down in horror… The man was bleeding from the skull, trailing out onto the marble of the facility.

Marko’s eyes focused on the blood- dropping the plank and turning away as he vomited, his body was coming to terms with the fact he had just killed a man. He shook his head, glancing back at the man again, still bleeding, still not moving. After several minutes of vomit mixed with tears, he turned back to the corpse. “Let’s… see… what he had…” He spoke reluctantly, hands reaching out before hesitating at touching the corpse. His hand extended once more, though slowly, he checked his pockets, finding a crumpled piece of paper. “I’m sorry, Matthew, I just… I don’t love you anymore… I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me… I left you with the dog, but I took the kids… Goodbye.”

He looked at the note- rereading it at least 10 times, his mind flooded with thoughts. This man was lonely, dying, he could only wonder what ended up happening. He stuffed the note back- his hands trembling, still feeling volatile from the events. He got up, he was done exploring… He went home…