OF SNOW AND LATTES

"Hot chai latte."

"The fuck you say?" Reed, his snow powdered face a mask of confusion, looks at Childress.

"Hot chai latte," Childress repeats as if that alone will clarify his statement. "I think I might just get one of those if we get out of this completely fucked situation."

"I thought you were a coffee guy."

"I am. But had enough of that bitter-ass coffee back at base. Want to treat myself. Try something new."

"I'd drink some watered down instant Folgers right now, as long as it was warm."

"That's why I still don't trust you, Reed."

"The feeling is mutual."

"Fair enough."

The two men trudge on slowly, impeded by the deep snow and their exhaustion.

They were the only two to escape the base which was now nothing put a pile of rubble and ash.

Roars echo across the snow.

"Fuck."

White tigers pounce before the two men have a chance to react.

Childress falls.

Jagged red appendages emerge from Reed's arms. He dispatches the tiger that attacks him, then slaughters the one on top of Childress, tossing it aside.

"I fucking knew it." Childress coughs, blood splattering on his chin.

"Sorry." Reed kneels and looks at the dying Childress. "I'll find a way to honor you before I complete my mission."

"Thanks."

With a sarcastic laugh, Childress breathes his last.

"What can I get started for you?" One month later, the pink haired young woman asks from behind the counter.

"Hot chai latte." Reed smiles.