15 Chapter 14: The Note

Francis came running back into the room with medical alcohol and bandages. He removed Chris's shirt, soaked the bandages in the alcohol, and wrapped Chris's lower chest. Chris screamed out in pain. 

"We can't let him stay here forever," stated Francis.

"Take him to our room. He can rest there," responded Heather.

Francis began dragging Chris towards the door.

"Don't drag him, you idiot. Here, let me help you," said Jackson.

Jackson grabbed Chris by the feet, and he and Francis began carrying him back to his room. Chris was now asleep. He had passed out from the tremendous pain. 

"I can't believe we pulled that off with no casualties," said Heather.

"I guess we did ok despite our lack of skill," replied Francis.

"Something tells me that there will be a lot more fighting. As long as there is stuff others don't have and others do whether the problem is physical or not, there will be disagreement, and not everyone can handle them peacefully," stated Jackson.

"Look at you becoming Mr. Philosopher," remarked Heather.

"Yeah, whatever."

"And you're back to normal."

The two finally carried Chris back to his room. They were out of breath and breathing very hard. Heather was still holding on to Chris's side like her life depended on it.

"How long will he be like this?" asked Heather.

"Probably an hour or so, but it's best if we just let him rest," answered Francis.

"Shit, I just remembered. I still need to let Max know what happened and let him know it's ok," exclaimed Jackson. 

"Go ahead. We have things under control," replied Francis.

Jackson stored Max in one of the unused bedrooms that was meant for one of the groups that didn't show up. Jackson opened the door. He found Max laying on the floor unconscious. Jackson quickly ran over to him. Max had a knife in one hand and a piece of paper in the other. He also had a knife wound in his chest with blood pouring out. Jackson held his hand to Max's face to see if he was still breathing.

"Nothing"

Max was dead. Jackson got up and slowly walked back to Chris's room. 

"That poor man. He must have been heartbroken when his wife died, but was suicide really his only option. I should have noticed the despair in his voice and helped him. But instead, I chose to fight a bloody war. He didn't deserve this. No one deserves to go through what he did," said Jackson as he punched the wall so hard that his knuckle bled.

Jackson reached Chris's door and opened it to see a room full of people looking at him in anticipation. Jackson held his head low, shaking it. He had tears running down his face. He knew he had to tell them, but he lacked the strength and the courage to do it. Heather broke the silence.

"Is Max ok?"

"No. He committed suicide."

Everyone was shocked to hear this. No one would have thought a man like Max would ever do something like that.

"Is that it? He's just dead," said Chris, half asleep.

"Well, what else do you want me to say ass hole! It hurts me just as much. He left a note. I didn't read it yet. Do you wish for me to read it?"

"Yes, I would like to hear it," cried Heather.

Tears were running down everyone's faces. They had lost their guidance. Even Chris began to tear up after finally waking up and understanding what happened.

Jackson unfolded the letter and read it aloud.

"To whom it may concern,

If you are reading this, then that means I am no longer a part of this world. I wish this wasn't the case, but I am a man of my word. Forty years ago when my wife and I got married, I promised her that if one of us dies, we would make sure we would die together. But don't you worry about us. We are now among the stars along with everyone else you loved who died.

As leader, there are still a few things that I need to discuss. After I die, I crown Chris to be our next leader, to guide you through your new life. I hope that the four of you can live wonderful lives both inside and outside this bunker.

Now I have some advice for you if you chose to listen to it. Francis, don't lose that charismatic personality you have, and don't lose your ability to be innovative in any situation. I know you have what it takes. Jackson, don't dwell on the past. What is done is done and unless you have a time machine (which I doubt you do) you can't change any of it. Just move on and don't forget that everyone is here to help you if you need it. Heather, don't lose sight of what you know is best for you. Pursue your dreams, no matter how outlandish they may seem. Be the happiness everyone needs to survive. And Chris, don't stop fighting no matter how hard it gets. Open your heart to those around you and learn to love. Love is a powerful thing, but can be abused easily. And most of all, remember what you heard when you were outside. You have something many could only wish to have, love.

Sincerely,

Maxwell Delson"

"I think I need to go think about this. Is that ok Mr. leader?" asked Jackson.

"Call me that again and you'll get a sword in your throat," replied Chris.

"Ok, I'm sorry, sir."

"Just get out of here," demanded Chris.

"I think I'll go as well," said Francis.

"Alright then. Goodbye."

The two left, leaving Chris and Heather alone.