As Ezra disappeared into the distance, Vincent exhaled with relief. Knowing that reclaiming their belongings would go a long way to ensuring their continued survival. The chances of surviving the night with what was most likely an enraged grizzly seeking revenge, was slim to say the least, but it was still a chance. And it would be much higher if they had a means of defense and a water source.

Vincent closed his eyes again. As he did, he imagined the look he'd seen in Ezra's eyes before he'd gone back. It was a look of hopelessness. He probably didn't think they were going to make it. No matter how bad things had gotten throughout his life, Vincent had always managed to hold onto hope, but as he assessed their current situation, he felt deep down that he didn't have it in him to go on. A grim reality was beginning to set in.

He was burdened by a deep sense of guilt, knowing that he was severely slowing them down. He had tried to hold his own but for some time now, he was little more than a thorn in the side. A burden Ezra was forced to carry, impeding his progress. The realization that Ezra would be better off without him struck him hard. Sending a shiver down his spine. It would be better for Ezra at this point to take a roundabout path that led away from him and back toward camp.

If the bear did show up it would come for him and potentially be satisfied with its revenge. Giving Ezra time to get away. This was not a line of thinking that Vincent was eager to dwell on, but he couldn't get it out of his head. The more he entertained the idea, the more he began to feel sick.

Vincent gulped. "I wonder if he'll ever come back?" he thought with horror.

###

Ezra moved with haste. Heading toward the place where they had left their belongings. To his chagrin, the trail of blood assisted in making his way back to where they had been. It wasn't everywhere, but the trail was consistent enough for a keen eye to follow.

Not to mention the even greater senses of a determined predator. He wasn't sure how strong a bear's sense of smell was, but he was almost sure it was far superior to his own. He didn't want to dwell on the sickening thoughts swirling around in his head, but he couldn't help the mental image that repeatedly surfaced, holding his thoughts captive. He couldn't help remembering how ghostly Vincent had become. He truly appeared to be at deaths door.

There was no way he would be able to make it back with Vincent. Vincent wouldn't be walking anymore, that was for sure. In order to continue toward camp without leaving him behind, he would have to carry him. There's no way they would make it back in time at that speed. If he kept his load light, he could probably make it back on his own in time, but then Vincent would be left to perish.

He came upon the packs and gathered them up. He stood for a moment, staring at nothing. He was in despair. Overcome by emotion, and he felt tears threatening to spill out onto his face. He pushed them back, not wanting to give in to the feeling of hopelessness that was threatening to break through like a collapsing dam.

He was faced with an impossible choice. He could either go back to stay with Vincent and attempt to make it through the night with a hunter on their trail, or he could go it alone and most likely make it back. If he left Vincent, he would almost surely die.

"But there's still a chance that I could come back with a group or something and rescue him." he thought.

Though deep down he knew it was a desperate fantasy.

If he stayed, both of them would likely end up dead. Though he loved his friend dearly, his first responsibility was to his family. He allowed the tears to well in his eyes then. He thought of his family back home. He could see his wife and children devastated at the news that he would never return.

They would be left destitute, but even if they somehow found a way out of that, it would be ruinous for them to go on without a husband or father. The world was a harsh place and without a provider and protector, every day would be an uphill battle. He couldn't just put his life at risk without considering the consequences of his actions.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Beyond this, was the promise of hope. Not only would his return mean that their lives would be much less bleak; there was a real opportunity for a good life now. They'd actually struck gold!

He pulled the gold nugget from his pocket and stared at it for a time. Then he squeezed it in his hand angrily, as he blinked away the moisture in his eyes.

"Oh, Elizabeth." he said, his voice catching. What should I do? I can't just leave him... but I can't abandon you. I can't abandon the little ones."

###

Vincent was afraid. He didn't want to die. He'd seen death before. Enough to recognize when it was near. When he'd been witness to death in the past, it was an almost palpable presence. It was like an almost tangible phantom in the air. A darkness heavy enough to feel. You could tell when someone had given up and accepted their death. He imagined that if he could see himself now, that distinct expression would be present on his own face.

He hadn't given up yet and he still had a spark of life left in him, but he was beginning to come to terms with the situation. He was too weak to go on. The better part of him said it was okay for Ezra to go on without him, but that was also the smaller part of him. Mostly, he wanted Ezra to come back and rescue him.

He'd worked too hard and come too far to go out like this.

"I want to live; I want to go home!"

He'd waited, hoping that Ezra would return. But given the distance, he'd expected him to come back by now. It's possible he misjudged the timing. Maybe it seemed longer than it really was because he was hyper focused on waiting for his arrival. It seemed he had waited an eternity already.

He waited as long he could stand and then realized that it was over. Ezra had abandoned him, and he would die here. He heard rustling somewhere in the distance and wondered with horror what creature might be lurking; eager to devour him. He heard the snap of a branch and turned to face his demise.

He couldn't quite make out the shape of what was approaching, but as it moved closer, he realized that it was humanoid.

"Ezra!" he said, emphatically. Surprised and relieved.

Ezra hurried to his side.

"Yes, who did you expect, the boogeyman?"

"Something like that."

Ezra smiled. "I made it back with our stuff. I'm just trying to figure a way for us to keep going. If I carry you on my back, I think we can manage it."

It was Vincent who smiled this time.

"No," he said. He knew what that meant for him, and the fact that he'd said it, surprised even himself but it was the only thing that made sense.

"I'm so glad to see you." he said softly. "I... I thought I was going to die alone."

He paused.

"Without... saying goodbye."

This was too much for Ezra. He broke Vincent's gaze, staring down at the ground.

"I couldn't do that to you brother."

"Yes," Vincent said, his voice little more than a whisper. "You can. There's no other choice."

Ezra stared at him, stunned.

"Go on without me brother."

"No," Ezra said angrily. "I'm not leaving you like this."

"Do it," he said with conviction. "You have to. I can't keep going. If you try to save me, you'll just get yourself killed."

"No," he said. His voice catching in his throat. "Don't give up. We can make it."

He reached out and Ezra took his hand.

"It's ok. You can let go now. You came back when you didn't have to. And that's enough."

Ezra held back his tears. Turning away and squeezing his eyes shut.

"You don't have to feel guilty," he said. "You don't have to be afraid."

Ezra drew deep breaths, struggling to keep his composure.

"I'm too weak. Even if you carried me, I still probably wouldn't make it."

He squeezed Ezra's hand again.

"You have to make it back for their sake."

Ezra sniffed.

"Tell my family..."

Vincent stopped abruptly, bursting into tears.

"Tell my family I'll always love them. I did the best I could. But I couldn't make it back to see their beautiful faces again."

Ezra tried to remain strong, but he couldn't hold back anymore. He wept, tears falling from his face.

After a moment, Vincent smiled, a distant look in his eye. And Ezra knew he was imagining their faces.

"Tell them, I'll see them on the other side."

Ezra wiped his face.

"I will," he promised.

He embraced Vincent, wishing he had the strength to save him. But he knew Vincent was right.

Vincent looked him in the eye.

"Thanks for everything Ezra. You were the best friend I ever had."

"Likewise," he said.

Vincent's lip quivered. "I'll see you on the other side brother."

Ezra nodded back.

"See you on the other side."

He gathered Vincent's belongings and left them with him. He placed the water nearby, so he had easy access and Ezra set him up with his firearms, so he at least had a chance to defend himself. As for Ezra, he took only what was necessary. His goal to maximize speed over everything else. He stood for a long moment, unable to leave.

"Go," Vincent said softly. "Don't look back."

Ezra gritted his teeth and turned away from Vincent.

He looked at the sun in the sky and he knew there was still a chance for him to make it.

He ran with all his might.

He didn't look back.