***
The sun never broke through the clouds , not entirely . A perpetual orange glow seemed to lurk just behind them , reminiscent of sunlight , but lacking the warmth . That odd light was a constant in a strange landscape stretching away from her in every direction .
Sarah stayed close to the small blackened hut . It was made out of what looked like charred wood , the walls black , soot coming off on her fingertips every time she touched it . Even so , there was something comforting in the squat structure . It was a safety net of sorts . Sarah didn ’ t have much choice , there wasn ’ t anything else around .
She ’ d walked in every direction , counting her steps up to three thousand , only to turn around disappointed she didn ’ t find anything or see anyone else . There was no grass , only rocky terrain , sharp spikes reaching for her bare feet at every turn . She had to be careful walking , her feet already torn up and rough in her short time here .
Someone woke him up , shaking his shoulder . He heard the beeps of machines hooked up to his wife and realized he was still in the hospital . The hand was still on his upper arm gently squeezing .
“ Marcus , she ’ s struggling again . You can see her fighting . She keeps wincing and moaning . We ’ ve upped her medication , but it doesn ’ t seem to be helping as we ’ d hoped .”
“ Then change her meds .” 7