Ezra ran, falling into an efficient rhythm. The tears were still running down his face, but he wasn't crying anymore. His sadness turned to rage, and he used that as fuel to push himself forward. As he ran, he began to think of how Vincent would die alone and unguarded. He would be eaten alive.

He should have done more to make sure Vincent would have a fighting chance, but what else could he do? He tried to push the disturbing thoughts from his mind and focus on his task, but the images proved difficult to banish.

Suddenly, he saw a small hill with an indent that almost seemed to be a natural shelter. It wasn't deep enough to provide a long-term dwelling, but it could at least protect someone from the elements. Ezra stopped suddenly, an idea forming in his mind.

He turned and ran back toward the area where he'd left Vincent. A newfound glint of hope in his eye.

###

Vincent was drifting away. He was so tired and there was little left for him to do. If he were lucky, he would drift into a peaceful slumber and never wake.

He was startled as he heard rustling nearby and a wave of fear hit him as he imagined what might be coming out of the brush to make a meal out of him. He heard huffing, a strangely familiar sound that almost seemed human. Then, to his shock, Ezra appeared from the other side of the tree and stood in front of him, panting.

"What are you doing here?" he croaked. "I told you not to look back."

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Ezra was still gasping for air. It took a moment before he recovered enough to respond.

"I know. I didn't look back, but I found something."

Vincent shook away the lethargy and did his best to sit up. Eager to hear more.

"I couldn't just leave you out here in the open. The guilt was eating away at me. Then I spotted a little area we could use as a shelter."

"That's mighty nice of you brother, but you don't have time for that."

"I'll decide what I have time for," Ezra snapped. "You can argue all you want, but there's nothing you can do about it, so you might as well just shut your mouth and accept it."

Vincent didn't argue. He managed a wisp of a smile as he closed his eyes and drew a deep breath.

"Brace yourself," Ezra said. "I'm going to have to carry you there. It's not far, but I doubt it will be comfortable."

Vincent gave a faint nod.

Ezra grabbed hold of Vincent and hoisted him over his shoulder like a wounded soldier and carried him to the spot he'd found earlier.

He dragged Vincent under the shelter and propped him up against the back of the enclosure.

"There, that's better, isn't it?" Ezra said. "It will at least offer some protection against the elements."

"Thank you," Vincent said. Mist appearing in his eyes.

"What I'm really worried about is the predators coming for you."

"There's not much you can do about that. I'll probably be dead before long anyway."

"You don't have any say here." Ezra said with conviction. "I'm not leaving you out here to be eaten alive. Even if you're dead by tomorrow, I'm not going to let it happen like that."

He searched the area for some branches and rocks to cover the enclosure. The branches he used mostly as camouflage and then he piled up rocks to act as a barrier. He placed Vincent's belongings inside with him.

"Ok," he said. "This is it. If I barricade you in here and make it sturdy enough, you should be safe from any large predators."

Vincent said nothing, but Ezra could tell from the look in his eyes that he was grateful.

He held his gaze for a long moment, reluctant to seal the opening. He didn't say goodbye this time. He didn't have to.

Vincent nodded. His expression one of stoic acceptance.

Ezra piled rocks on top of the entryway until the final stone shut out the last shafts of light. Vincent lay there, breathing softly as he stared into darkness. Buried alive in his tomb.