Work Text:
Polina’s POV
I left my spot on the fridge in hopes of getting some kind of hygiene. With everything going on, that didn’t leave much time for things like showers. Although, I wondered if that…corpse was still in the bathroom. It was gross, disgusting. Carrying around said corpse everywhere? Even weirder. Whatever, it’s not my place to decide. Walking out of the kitchen for the first time in days, I had to wander around a bit to find the bathroom. I spotted it when I first got here along with spotting the..corpse. However, it’s been awhile and I really don’t know the layout of the house. I don’t need to memorize it though, this stupid place isn’t worth that much thought. I’m sure I’ll be gone soon if anyone tries anything.
Some people shot me weird looks after wandering around aimlessly. Whatever, they’re not worth my time either. It’s better to just find the bathroom and then go back to the kitchen. Rolling my eyes I thought, Just focus on this, Polina, ignore them.
Eventually I found the right room, and of course it just had to be the last door I hadn’t checked. I slowly opened the door, cautious to make sure no one was inside. After deciding the coast was clear, I walked into the room and softly closed the door behind me. When I started walking up to the sink, I heard the faint sound of crying and a horrendous smell flooded my nostrils. I quickly put my hand over my nose, in a futile attempt to block out that disgusting smell. Looking down, I realized. Oh, that’s why..the corpse and the woman were still here. How had I not spotted them before?
I started to look at her, to really look and analyze. It wasn’t something I usually do, but something I picked up to hopefully tell what kind of people I’m around. However, I was just…intrested and felt a twinge of sympathy. She just looked so…sad? Depressed? Hopeless? I don’t know why, but my body started to sit on the floor before my mind could comprehend it. I sat near so she knew I was there, but far enough to give her space. At least I think so. After sitting in silence occasionally interrupted by soft cries, I felt so out of place. This is stupid, she obviously doesn't want me here. Just wash your face and leave.
So, that’s what I did. I quickly got up and washed my face with a bar of soap as well as I could. It felt nice getting to clean my face, since it’d been awhile. Hopefully I'll be able to shower soon, whether it be here or in another house.
As I walked towards the door to leave, I heard a faint voice so quiet I was half convinced I imagined it.
“Wait..”
I stopped for a second, really contemplating if I was going crazy. I turned back, and saw her looking up at me. I let out a small sigh of relief, realizing that she had actually said something. Fully facing the woman now, I asked, “What?”. I hadn’t intended to sound so snappy, and internally cringed hearing the word leave my mouth. She didn’t really seem bothered by it though, and I was grateful for that. She gently patted the ground next to her, an invitation. I eyed the door for a second, and then sat down next to the woman.
I heard her crying harder, and tried rubbing her back. Comfort wasn't really my thing, but I suppose I could stand this. “Why…? Why did they kill him, why did he leave?” she whispered. She sounded angry, hurt, but underneath it all was heavy grief. If she was referring to the corpse though, then this must’ve been someone very important since he was long dead.
I just listened to muttered angry and painful words through her cries. She seemed too exhausted to exert any more energy than this. I felt a sharp pain tug at my heart, this was really fucking sad, and that’s saying something since we’re in a literal apocalypse. “If it’s worth anything, I’m sorry. I…can’t imagine the grief you’re going through.” I said, quietly. It felt weird being all sappy, but the words were true. After hearing that it’s her husband in that tub, I can only imagine how much she loved him.
“Thank you..” she said, louder than anything she said before but still bordering on a whisper. Soon enough I saw her shoulders sag even more, and her breathing evened out. I let her lay her head on my shoulder, and decided it wouldn’t be too bad to sleep here tonight.
~~
Lenora’s POV
I woke up the next morning with a surprising amount of energy. While exhaustion still tugged me down, it felt much better than some other nights. I looked and saw the teen still here with me, looking at me expectantly. I spotted my husband out of the corner of my eye, and my entire body filled with so many emotions they were hard to name. Suddenly all I wanted to do was cry and stay here for the rest of my days.
“Hey, you wanna go get breakfast? I heard the homeowner call out that they were done cooking.” The teen said, staring at me again. I really didn’t want to leave him, my love…why… Why did you leave me? You promised-
“C’mon” the younger girl said, drawing the word out playfully. It cut through the fog clouding my mind. “I heard it’s first come first serve! You don’t wanna miss out on some trash hashbrowns right?” She said this all in a playful tone, smirking. I felt my stomach twist painfully in hunger, and realized that I probably should eat. It’s been days. I thought, painfully. Maybe it would be fine to leave him…just for a little while. Looking up at the teens hopeful face, I solidified my decision. Sending one more glance at my husband, I stood up. It hurt insanely worse than any simple action should. Everything was sore, it was just the price to pay for staying hunched up for so long. The girl offered me a hand, and I gratefully took it.
She struck up a conversation on our way out the door.
“So, what's your name?” The younger girl started. “We’ve never properly introduced ourselves.”
“It’s Lenora. You?”
“Polina.” She said, cheerfully. I’ve heard the teen talk before through doors, but the younger one always sounded annoyed or snappy. I wonder what’s different now. “You can call me Poli if you want though.” Again, I’ve never heard anyone call her Poli.
“Poli?” I asked, thoroughly confused. She didn’t seem like the type to be fond of nicknames, or of anything to be fair.
“Yeah” she said, smirking again.
“Alright then, Poli” I said as we neared the kitchen door.
~~
Polina’s POV
Breakfast was fine. Awkward as hell, but alright. I’m glad Lenora was eating though, because based on observations I can bet she hasn’t eaten in days. Grief is really something.
She mentioned wanting to go back to her husband, and it made sense. I saw the homeowner looking confused at the statement, but it wasn’t my place to say anything. Maybe the idiot hadn’t connected the pieces and realized who the corpse was. It's fine, she didn’t really talk to anyone much so I guess it makes sense.
Last night…something changed. I saw her, and her grief laid bare, and just wanted to…help. I never would’ve thought this before, but with Lenora, I could tell how much she loved him. She really did care for the people close to her. I felt so comfortable around her. More than my stupid parents. They can be visitors for all I care. Whatever. Anyways, Lenora just lets me be me. She doesn't seem to mind, and for that I’m grateful. Maybe, just maybe, not everyone is as shitty as this situation, I thought for the first time ever.