I really didn’t want this journal to turn into a sob-fest. I Didn’t want to make this a reminder of what I left behind by coming to Arklay, but I found a picture of her… and me together. We were so happy…

I remember the day very well. The two of us had finally saved enough money to buy our dream house, and the feeling was surreal. We’d truly lucked out since we’d seen the house up for sale nearly a year prior. It was by no means the newest of homes, but it was ours. As the two of us arrived there, We couldn’t help but smile to one another. Eagerly, we started to bring in boxes. Well, Elaine started bringing  in boxes. I’m positive she was more ready to move in then myself! I was still quite anxious about it all.

While she was bringing in three or so at a time, I kept up behind her with my meager one box. To me, I always found it humorous that she was stronger then myself. Definitely my wonder woman. However, after we’d nearly made it halfway through our belongings, I noticed her staring off at a window in the back left corner of what would be the living room. The cogs in her mind were turning, and as I approached, I knew an idea was making it’s way into her brain. “We should take a picture!” She quipped while I chuckled a bit at her suggestion. Still, it wasn’t surprising to me. Elaine loved photography, and she always seemed to have an eye for opportune shots. Though I wasn’t sure at first what her vision was, my short haired brunette led me to the spot without fail. Elaine scrambled to find her tripod and camera while I stood there awkwardly with my hands in my pockets. Still, the smile I had could only spread further.

It didn’t take her long to set things up. Before I knew it the timer was set on the camera and she was running up to me. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around me, and I couldn’t help but hold her close. Even after the flash of the camera, we stayed embraced. I’m not sure how long we stood there like that, but only now do I realize how much I miss the warmth it gave me…

Why!? Why did I ever want to leave that house for some job? I wasn’t happy with my work, but I was with her. I really am enjoying my time at Deimos now. I’m working in a place where people care about me, and aside from the threat posed by the living dead, my work is what’s giving me something to look forward to. I don’t want that though! Only now that I have a job I enjoy can I truly see how much of an idiot I was! I wanted to move away, I wanted to leave what we had! Because of that… I no longer have her…

…I should stop writing now… These emotional spikes probably aren’t good for my health…

   ~Peter Perkins