Beckie Takes a Break

An empty country road.

Getting back to the campaign, I need to finish some loose ends before I get a new batrep in.  I think this song goes well with the situation.  Hopefully the track plays correctly...

With a shuddering cough Beckie hacked in the far back seat of the station wagon.  Her cough had a wet tearing sound and she whimpered as she wiped blood and mucus from her mouth.  Her skin was pallid and veins stood out in dark blue and black lines across her exposed arms and face.  After the spasm she shivered and managed to croak out “No more.  I have to stop.”

Traci wiped Beckie’s hands and mouth, giving her some water from a bottle.  “Shhh.  Just a ways further, when we’re away from the gang we can figure this out.”  Traci used a damp cloth to try and relieve the burning fever Beckie had as well.

Beckie rolled her eyes, focusing back on Traci.  “Girl, we’ve been through a lot together.  We’ve always had each other’s backs.”  Beckie managed to suppress a cough before finishing.  “Where I’m going, I don’t want you to follow.  Not for a long time.”

Dawn looked carefully from the road towards the back in the rear view mirror.  She could see Traci trying to comfort Beckie, the two friends both knowing they would have to separate soon.  They were driving away from the ambush site; Dawn wanted to get as much distance as possible in case more of the gang showed up.  “You still doing okay Beckie?”  she asked.

Beckie could hardly move, but shook her head slowly.  “Each bump is like knives driving through my body.  I can’t stand much more of this.”  She managed to squeeze Traci’s hand.  “Find a spot to pull over, I’d like to just sit in the sun for a bit.”

Tears rolled down Traci’s cheeks as she understood what her friend was asking.  “Don’t go.”  She whispered.

“You know I have to.”  Beckie replied as Dawn stopped the car.  “I’ll see you again, not soon though.”

Jack and Dawn helped Beckie to a sunny spot near the road, sitting next to a signpost.  Jack could hardly speak, choking on tears he quickly offered a sad goodbye.  “Stay in the sun Beckie.”  He said as he returned to the car.

Dawn knelt next to Beckie, checking a water bottle and making sure she was comfortable.  “I’m sorry this happened.  I wish there was something I could do for you.”  Dawn said, already mourning another lost friend.

Beckie looked at Dawn and said with a rasp.  “There is.  Leave me a pistol, would you?”

Dawn nodded, pulling a revolver she had from a pocket.  “I thought you may want something like this.  Good luck.”  Dawn gave her the pistol and a hug before standing up.
Pausing on her way to the car, Dawn held Traci's shoulder, whispering to her "Take whatever time you need."  Dawn saw tears on Traci's cheeks, knowing she was hurting.  "You have to let her go."

Traci wiped tears from her face and knelt next to her friend.  She hugged Beckie, not wanting to let go.  "I can stay.  I will stay.  You shouldn't be alone."

“Get out of here.  You got miles to go before you can stop.”  Beckie said, her breath laboring. “There’s not much left here of me.”

Traci cried and hugged her friend close.  “I’ll always love you Beckie. “  After a moment, Beckie feebly pushed at Traci.

“I love you too.”  Beckie said, a smile on her face.  “Now go and don’t look back.”

Traci slowly broke the hug.  Standing up she wiped her tears away and took a last look at Beckie.  “I’ll never forget you.”  Turning and getting in the car, Traci never looked back.

Dawn pulled out onto the road and slowly picked up speed, leaving Beckie behind.  She tried to concentrate on the road, but couldn't help looking at Traci, silently sobbing in the back.  She wanted to reach out and comfort her, but no words seemed to be enough.  After what seemed like hours, Jack cleared his throat and offered "It looks like a nice day to sit in the sun."

Traci cried openly in response.  "It's not fair!"  She yelled.

"It certainly isn't."  Dawn agreed, driving on.

Beckie watched the car roll down the road, over a slight rise and disappear into the distance.  The countryside was quiet once again and Beckie leaned back against the signpost, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face.  For a moment she could let the pain go, just relaxing and feeling free.  A breeze rustled the grass and trees and a few birds called to each other.  Beckie smiled.

Slowly she slipped into a sleep, never to wake alive again.

I'll have a new campaign report up soon.