Mariko's POV

Don't scratch don't scratch don't scratch don't scratch. Don't you fucking scratch, Mariko, it'll only make the rash worse and it itch more. Fuck, it burns so bad, why wasn't I paying attention when I laid on the ground? .....Fuck this, I gotta scratch, I can't take it. My skin is all red and now I cant stop scratching. The rash is mainly on my arms, since I have a short sleeve shirt on. God, I gotta stop scratching. If I don't, I'll scratch until my skin bleeds. And I don't really want that.

As the day drags on, I keep walking. To where, I'm not sure. I just let my legs be my guide as I look at my surroundings. I haven't eaten since last night, but then again I don't feel hungry or thirsty. I didn't have much supplies to begin with, so I made myself go a day or two without much to drink or eat. Which I'm sure my body will repay me with slow death, it probably is right now. In all honesty I don't care.

I know my mom's gone. She would've never have survived this. My dad...well...he was a bit of an ass so..if he's dead I'm not gonna cry over it. My big brother..I'm not sure if he's still alive..but..I hope he is..if he isn't, then I'm surviving for nothing. I'll have no reason to live because everyone I knew lived back in Korea, except for my dad and brother who came to the States after the divorce.

I know I sound pathetic but...I'm only nine-fucking-teen...give me a damn break...

I stopped at hearing faint moaning, which made my face turn pink in embarrassment. I, which may be surprising to you, am still a virgin. I've seen movies and shows that are Rated R, who hasn't? But I haven't done anything sexual. And I mean anything. Even what your thinking, I haven't done.

I kept walking my path, which was towards the moaning. What can I say? I'm a curious being. The moaning finally stopped and I was quite relieved, so I turned a bit to walk around a tree, stopping at hearing a gun click.

"Put your bag on the ground and turn around, now." A rough Southern voice said. Not wanting to be shot in the ass, I did as the man said. I placed my bag on the ground and slowly turned around, facing the man. He had short, black curly hair, brown eyes, and a almost square face. He was built too, not overly buff like someone who uses too much steroids, a more natural kind of muscular. Did I mention he had no shirt on? He must've heard me walking, damn people and how good their hearing can be. 

"Who are you?" He asked.

"Mariko." I answered hoarsely, my throat dry from dehydration, "Check my bag, take it if you want." i got out before I coughed a bit.

"Get her bag." He instructed the woman behind him.

"Shane, she's just a kid." She responded.

"Lori, now." This.. Shane.. ordered. Lori stepped forward and grabbed my bag. I watched as she opened them and started going through them, "Whats in there?"

"Knives, a pistol, no ammo for it though. A license for both, an empty bottle of water, one with little water in it, wrappers of candy bars." Lori responded. Meanwhile, just standing there was making me tired, my arms were tired from keeping them up. I saw black spots in my vision and tried to keep conscious.

"Can I go?" I managed out. Shane looked back at me,

"No, whats on your arms?" he asked.

"Poison ivy.." I mumbled.

"Shane, there's nothing in here to prove she's dangerous. Yes, the knives and one useless gun, that's it. Besides, she looks like she's dying." Lori said.

"You're not wrong, lady." I said, dropping my arms and took a step to them, Shane putting his finger on the trigger "Just put me out of my misery" I got out before my legs gave out, an arm catching me as I blacked out