The End Of Life

As Mark woke up the next day, he took a quick shower. He got ready and sat on his chair, waiting for Steve to pick him up for lunch. He heard the bell ring and got up to open the door. Once he did, he noticed that Donald was there along with Steve. He welcomed both of them inside.

"Ah! Mark, I also live on the same floor. So I came along with Steve to get some breakfast." Coming inside. 

Mark nodded as he didn't have any problems with that. He packed his bag and kept the gun on his back. He held his sword and was ready to leave. Donald noticed the sword and asked, "Mark, is this your Katana?" Pointing at it. 

Mark was confused when he noticed Donald calling it a Katana. He was never told by Kevin's old man that the sword was called like this. He looked at Donald and asked, "Katana?" 

Donald nodded and said, "Yes, these types of swords are called Katana. We used them in the past before we invented guns as a primary weapon during wars. Many families were proficient in using it. I never thought you could also use one." 

In fact, Donald noticed it yesterday when they were discussing Mark's plan. But didn't want to ask, as it was already getting late. Now that he saw it again in his hands, he assumed that Mark would have an old background with people still practicing swordsmanship. 

Mark shook his head and said, "Now I don't have any such background relating to swords. I learned how to use one from my friend's grandfather when I was younger. So I am able to use it now." Donald nodded. 

He extended his hand and asked, "Can I see your Katana." Mark didn't mind it and handed the sword to his hand. Donald slowly caressed the dragon patterns on the scabbard and faintly said, "It looks like it is thirsty for blood." 

He held the handle and slowly took out the sharp sword. He slightly held the sword and once again sheathed it before giving it back to Mark. Donald smiled and said, "That's a very good Katana you got there. It also looks very old, but it still remains very sharp. Whoever had used it must have been a very fierce person. It is like the blade wants blood and death." Mark didn't say anything as he listened. 

After that everyone left the room and made their way towards the cafeteria to have breakfast. As they reached Mark turned to Steve and asked, "Are the people who were in my jeep, results out?" He didn't want to wait and hoped they were done. 

Steve nodded and said, "Yes, they were done yesterday. I asked the doctors to test those three first as you would leave early. They should be here having breakfast. Ah! There they are." Pointing at a group of three at the end. 

Mark turned towards them and noticed them standing in a corner having breakfast. He noticed Suzie was still the same, her complexion was better, but she still had the same dead expression as the day before. She was slowly having her breakfast, taking only small bites each time only because Daisy was urging her from the side. 

Mark understood her situation and knew now there is another person he needs to travel with. But he was not completely against it, because even though she was a huge burden he needed to take care of, he would not mind it and do anything to keep her safe.

Steve and Donald separated from him as they had to go to their own group, and Steve asked him to come and meet him near the weapons armory of the camp before they left to send him off. Mark nodded and after he kept enough food on his plate, he went towards his small group. 

David noticed Mark and said, "Mark. You are here. We didn't know where you were, so we started having breakfast." Both Daisy and Suzie turned towards him and Suzie immediately came near him. 

She felt the safest with him by her side. She kept her complete trust in him. Mark looked at Suzie and sighed before nodding towards David. They continued to have breakfast and David asked him, "So, do we hit the road to Evergreen city like you said, or is there any other stop in between?"

Mark gulped down the food and said, "We do have one more place to go to. It would only be a small stop. After I do my work, we can go to Evergreen city." David nodded and didn't say anything. 

All of them completed eating breakfast and went towards the weaponry tent Mark went to the last time to collect his guns. The soldier at the entrance stopped him and so he asked, "Can you call colonel Steve. He asked me to meet him here." The soldier nodded and went inside. He came out with Steve and Sophie behind him. 

"Mark, are you leaving?" asked Steve. 

Mark nodded and said, "Yes, I have another place to be before I move to Evergreen city in search of a friend there. So I will probably not see you for a while." Steve nodded and gave him a handshake. 

"Your vehicle should be at the same place I showed you before. I noticed the fuel was empty, so you better fill it up before you move out of town." Steve handed him the keys and Mark took them. 

He nodded and made his way towards the vehicle area. As Steve said, their jeep was at the very end. He turned towards David and said, "You talk with Daisy, I will help Suzie out." and slowly made Suzie get in the jeep. He decided to give some space for the father and daughter to say their goodbyes.

He was very careful in doing so. He still didn't know what might agitate her, so he was as gentle as he could be. After settling her down, he closed the door and noticed David was giving a hug to his daughter. 

Daisy turned around, but Mark remembered something to ask her and so he said, "Daisy, wait a minute. I want to talk to you about something."