Tom nodded. He didn't like it. He wanted to be bringing up the rear, standing guard over Mike, keeping them going. But...these were old roles and there was no arguing now. Filling up the third and final canteen, he led the way back to the campsite, passing the tree they'd been pressed up against moments before without glancing at it.

The trip back didn't seem to take as long. Amber light between the trees and the smell of smoke.

Tom looked back over his shoulder just once. "I love you," he whispered, catching Mike's eye. And then he was stepping forward, into the realm of firelight, back down into hell.