Zen's War: Captivity

“Why did you leave without me? You’re so selfish! You get to live, while I suffer and burn to death,” Bridget said, as the Chamber of Atonement began to glow with flames.

“I’m sorry, but you said that I should go. You’re my friend. I would never try to hurt you,” Sahara responded, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.

“She’s right. It was very selfish of you. You killed her, but you get to live. You’re a sinner, and you will go straight to hell when you die,” said a disembodied voice.

Sahara looked to her left side, in the direction that the voice seemed to be emanating from. Standing there wreathed in flames was none other than Joshua. He was wearing the same white robe that he had worn on the Day of Atonement. His eyes reflected the growing fire, causing the blue irises of his eyes to glow brightly.

“I hate you! I will never forgive you for this,” Bridget said, as the skin on her face began to melt.

“Murder is a mortal sin. That is what you are, a murderer, and there can be no redemption for a killer,” Joshua said, with a sneer.

For some reason Joshua remained untouched by the fire, while Bridget was melting like a wax candle. Bridget then came towards Sahara, her arms outstretched towards her. Sahara cowered away from her, as Bridget’s hair ignited on her head. “Why did you leave me,” Bridget murmured, as she continued to approach Sahara.

Sahara tried to run, but felt as if her feet were attached to the floor. Bridget was finally within an arm’s reach of her. Sahara tried to look away, but could not avert her gaze. She remained transfixed by Bridget’s eyes that now resembled two melting glass orbs. Just as Bridget reached out a flaming hand to touch Sahara’s cheek, she startled awake.

She was still within the abandoned gas station, where she had drifted off to sleep. It was still dark outside. She tried to take deep breaths in order to slow her rapidly beating heart. Her body was damp with sweat. She would not be able to sleep, not after that nightmare. She would remain awake until sunrise.