before. Ash was right of course. He would have to be discrete about his

cure. If he ever did find one, as was his dream. What if he did find a cure?

Would it be only temporary? Or would it be permanent? If it was

permanent, how long would he live after living out at least two human life

spans? Did God really want creatures like him and Ash on the planet? Was

it part of God’s cruel food chain? Or were they just meant to live on

animal blood and save people who were dying? That particular question

would leave him wondering about for the rest of his life without an

answer. Should he continue on his quest with a cure? That answer was

easy enough. Yes. He would continue until he either found a cure, even

if temporary, or he found an answer to his purpose in life.

            Carlos grew quiet, suddenly not in the mood for much conversation,

and sat down on one of the three couches in front of the dying fire. Ash

silently offered him a whiskey, but he shook his head. How long they sat

together in front of the fire he did not know, but when he looked out the

window, he saw that it was near dark, the sun setting the clouds in a

brilliant display of color and light, making it seem as if the clouds

themselves were on fire.

“I need you to help me with a little favor.” Carlos said suddenly,

breaking the quiet.

“And what would that be? You know I would do anything for a good

friend such as yourself.” Ash replied, grateful for the change in the

subject.

“Well…To be honest, it has something to do with the cure.”

Ash tensed, his fingers gripping his scotch glass as if it were his life and

he could not let go.

“Help me, Ash. If not for yourself, then for a good friend.”