Martin was changed by the curse that had hit the land, so it stands to reason he wasn’t the only one who might have been twisted by it. You take a deep breath and let your hands hang loose at your sides, making eye contact with the teenager. “I’m sorry you got stuck back here again. I’m gonna try and put things right.”

“Why would I want things to change?” The teenager takes a step closer to you. “I’m immortal like this. Can’t die.”

“But you can be hurt,” you respond.

“You get used to the pain. Even welcome it.” He advances another step towards you. “Sometimes you even welcome it. It can feel good. Better than sex, even.” He giggles and it’s a high-pitched, wild sound that makes your skin crawl and raises the hairs on the back of your neck. “You’ve not died yet, have you?”

“What?” You take a step back.

Something glints in his hand and he lunges at you. You dodge to one side and hear a gun shot. Darting your head to the side, you see Martin walking down the porch steps, aiming his rifle at the teenager. “The next shot is going into your heart,” he warns.

The teenager giggles again. “It won’t kill me,” he responds.

“Maybe not, but it’ll slow you down.” Martin advances towards him. Without taking his eyes off the teenager, the man you love addresses you. “Get out of here, Grant. Now.”

You stand frozen for a few moments before your brain kicks into gear and you dart round to the car. Pulling open the driver’s door, you cast a glance back towards Martin and the teenager.

There’s movement and before you can shout a warning, the other teenager comes into view and slams a thick tree branch into Martin’s head.

“MARTIN!” you scream, as he drops to his knees, shaking his head, blood trickling from his ears. You start towards him.

He raises his eyes towards you, blinking as they glaze over. “Grant, go! Now.”

You hesitate, torn between going to Martin’s side and running. But if you stay, there’s nothing you can do. And it nearly broke your heart when he didn’t remember you. Still, it takes every ounce of strength you have to move to the car.

As you get in the car, you can hear the sound of flesh striking flesh. It’s perhaps one of the hardest things you’ve ever done, but you strap yourself in, put the car into gear and begin driving towards the reservation.