Just One Day

by Jacob Prytherch

“Just six... hours... left...” said the engineer, speaking as softly as he could. The air was so thin now that moving was barely an option and drinking and eating an impossible luxury.

  “Perhaps... if I try... and fix the filters...” said Cathy, craning her neck towards the panel as she panted breathlessly.

  “Do you know how?” asked the engineer, his eyes filling with tears at seeing her so helpless.

  “No... but I don’t know how to... die either. I know which... I’d rather learn... first,” she replied, almost managing a smile. The engineer reached for her hand. It was so cold.