Explosion.

 

Nuclear warfare ignites the city;

the meltdown happens

far too soon to process.

 

My eyes flicker open

to hospital lights -

white sanctuary walls

keeping six survivors safe.

 

I stagger down halls,

IV-strapped hand

dragging the metal post

feeding my veins.

 

Seven is critical; severe condition.

 

My blood is transfused

with the surgeon's words of ice,

yet the struggle goes onward.

 

I won't leave the one I love.

I cry out the pain

before our encounter.

 

I cry even more when

I discover the truth,

my darling ...

 

This hope was hopeless.

 

A savage they have made,

clawing like a creature

through air vents and

hallways - a shadow.

 

I run forward,

stumbling as far as

these legs can take me.

 

Collapse.

 

All the pressure

can't hold these steps,

nor can they conceal ache.

 

"I don't want you anymore."

 

A lone beast now more than ever

has wilderness in her eyes.

I am met with them

and eternal last words.

 

I can only watch as she turns away -

Scream.

 

That's how I wake;

I'm howling your name,

fearing impending abandonment.

 

Although, you never do.

 

My loyal wolf never left to begin with.