The ambiance at Izzy's cabin has always been the same.
Birds chirping and wind whistling.
It's a really boring way of looking at it, but that's always how I've viewed things. It was never about how mystical the sky was that night, or how loving her gaze was.
Nope. Birds and wind.
I guess that viewpoint explains my attitude towards a lot of things.
Dad always tried to make me feel better about it. Said it was just "a more logical line of thinking." Personally, I just think it means I'm more tired of everyone's shit.
The cabin looks nice this time of year, though. At least, that's what Izzy thinks. She's often the type to get lost in the scenery. Always chased butterflies, crying at sunsets, that sort of thing. It's why I love her, but it's also almost to a fault. Can't recount how many times I had to save her from some ditch or something.
Katie.
It's been a year since her death.
The thing that killed her is long decommissioned, but I don't think I'll sleep easily again knowing that something like that was out there just... killing people.
I still have nightmares about that night.
Katie's face painted red, stemming from her temple. The sound of steel scraping against asphalt.
Katie's face painted red, stemming from her temple. The taste of metal nearly choking me.
Katie's face painted red, stemming from her temple. The screaming mechanical abomination, preparing for the killing blow.
Katie's face painted red, stemming from her temple. The police officer telling us to get away from the machine.
Katie's face painted red, stemming from her temple. Blood and pus dripping down my arm from the shoulder.
"Yo, Tom. I'm gonna grab a drink, you want anything?"
Oh, shit. Uh, fuck uh, shit, what do, uh, uhmm...
"Oh, uh, just a Coke'll do, Izzy. Thanks."
FUCK, I wanted a Sprite. God damnit, Tom.
Whatever. Not the end of the world.
Izzy doesn't take too long to retrieve our beverages. I clear my mind, sitting down on a patio chair with Izzy to watch the sun set with her.
...I like Izzy. I'm not sure how or why, but I've actually met someone I truly enjoy being around. Usually I just hang around whichever group I hate the least.
That's a low bar.
This world is extremely sad. This Coke is good, though.
...
...I think I just realized why I said Coke.
Katie's favorite drink was Coke.