Oswin Tunnelway's Arc

Chapter 5 of 10

The group reached a cluster of parked cars by evening, and Oswin felt the others slowing their pace for the first time since morning. Foxface moved toward the nearest car to check for shelter, and Caius followed to help her clear debris from the doors. Grendel appeared at Oswin's side and gestured toward a ridge that overlooked the ruins ahead. "Come look," he said, his voice too casual. Oswin followed, thinking Grendel wanted to scout the route, but when they reached the grassy ridge, Grendel stepped between him and the path back. The city skyline stretched out before them, broken towers catching the last light, and Grendel stood silent for a long moment. Then he pulled a small tarnished key from beneath his collar — attached to a chain that held two wedding rings. "My wife died of The Red," Grendel said, his voice flat. "Three years ago. I watched her turn." Oswin's throat tightened. He wanted to offer condolences, but Grendel's expression stopped him. "You keep healing everyone else," Grendel continued, his eyes hard. "Foxface's blisters. Hazel's shoulder. You treat them like they matter." He took a step closer. "So tell me why you won't fight for your own life. Why you're letting that scratch kill you when you could ask for help." Oswin looked away, toward the ruins that might hold a cure or might hold nothing. "Because if I become the patient, I stop being useful," he said quietly. "And if I stop being useful, I'm just someone waiting to turn." Grendel was quiet for a moment, then tucked the key back beneath his shirt. "My wife fought," he said. "Every day until the end. She didn't give up just because she was scared." He turned and walked back toward the group, leaving Oswin alone on the ridge. The question hung in the air like smoke: was Oswin managing his death with discipline, or was he just too frightened to admit he wanted to live? He touched the scratch through his bandage, then followed Grendel back down the path. The answer terrified him more than the infection itself.