Hunger

There was only one rule: don’t open the door. They couldn’t risk it on such a small vessel.

On the other hand, Eddie’s stomach rumbled.

“Don’t,” Ruby whispered, huddled in the corner of the miniscule room. Her sunken eyes showed the first flicker of emotion he’d seen since they had last eaten.

“Kitchen’s right next door. I can run in, grab food and run back. No issue, eh?” Eddie giggled nervously. “I doubt anyone else is around.”

“Don’t. Leave.”

Ruby’s voice was nearly as weak as her body. She couldn’t stop him. He ran his hand through his hair and looked at the door.

“Just like, ten seconds, Rubes. I’ll grab like, a loaf of bread, fruit or crackers or something to tide us over.” Eddie’s long fingers twitched, his stomach twisting in knots.

Ruby said nothing. She was clearly just as hungry as he was. He gave her another minute or so to object, and when she didn’t, Eddie wobbled his way to the door and wrenched it open. He had taken one step into the narrow corridor when shouting stopped him.

“Eddie? What are you - how -?”

“We need food!” he wailed, shielding his eyes from the flashlights. “Just let me get some food for me and Ruby.”

“Get back inside!”

“You broke the whole damn door!”

Eddie only vaguely noted the door hanging from its hinges and the horrified shrieking of his colleagues. He was focused on his stomach. Something twisted and moved beneath his skin, visible even through his shirt. He managed two words before the pain reached a crescendo and his torso split open, releasing hundreds of larval parasites onto the floor.

“My bad.”