Tim pursed his lips, edging them up and down the filter of his cigarette. “Do the stars seem brighter to you guys somehow?” He asked.
“I dunno, because alls I can pay attention to his how you’re sucking that damn thing like a tit.” Joey spat.
There was silence after that. Before, Mike and Sharon might’ve said something. Maybe someone would’ve called someone a slur and someone else would’ve rolled their eyes or there’d have been the sound of a smack and a short hollar of pain. But those days were fading now.
“Do you think we’ll meet again? On the other side?” Sharon said. That’s all Sharon really said, these days. Mike was staring into the black woods, and said nothing. Mike was beyond words altogether, Tim figured.
“God, shut up Sharon…” Joey breathed. He reached over and snatched the cigarette from Tim’s lips and threw it to the ground.
“You shithead, I’ve only got a couple left! Ow!” Tim yelled as Joey smacked him across the side of the head.
“You shut up too! You’ve ‘had a couple’ for weeks now.”
“…I know.”
There was more silence again. Sharon, having said her peace was staring at the horizon. Mike, still looking to the woods. Or maybe, looking at the twisted metal thing resting there.
“I’m sorry. You know, about the car.” Joey muttered. He was closer now, leaning into Tim.
“…I know.”
Together they watched the stars until the sun rose, bleaching them from the sky. And shortly after, they, too, faded into the light.
“I’m sorry, too.”
—
Nightmare Fuel 2018, Day 9