World In Tatters Ch. 50

I wake up to the same four brick walls I see every day, the only indication of the passage of time a dim light from the tiny window in the corner of my cell. That, and the deep growling in my stomach.

It’s still early morning, first light barely breaking in the sky. I stand up from my cot, rubbing at the persistent crick in my neck. I look out the barred window at ground level with the camp. It’s quiet now, a rarity in recent weeks.

The militia has been in chaos since…well, you know. Multiple factions vie for power. It’s been weeks, but between the in-fighting and an increased number of skirmishes with Drum’s military, the council hasn’t come to a decision on what to do with me.

Richard and Kiera, Jedd, Rachel, Jason, Chris, Aunt Nora, and even the twins have come to visit me down here. All were released after Charlotte’s treachery came to light. They bring me things. Books. Food. But most of all, I appreciate the company. It’s been lonely being stuck down here.

Rachel’s the only one who hasn’t said or implied that I did the right thing or had no other choice. Frankly, I don’t know if I did or didn’t. I did what I thought I had to at the time, but I can’t help thinking there was another way. I can see it in the way Rachel looks at me—in how far away she sits when visiting, in so many little things in her demeanor—that she wonders the same thing. But she still comes here twice a week like clockwork. We were the only blood family each other had for so long. That bond is hard to break.

Ostensibly, Alice is the only one who hasn’t come to visit. I figure it’s all just too much for her right now, but I find myself missing her.

It’s funny. We went five years apart without needing each other. But after only a few months reunited, my heart aches for a visit from my best friend.

I press my head against the windowsill letting the cold brick sooth my growing headache. As the morning light creeps over the treetops, I begin to wonder what my near future might hold. I collapse back onto my cot.

I shut my eyes tight, blocking out my shrunken world, hoping desperately that sleep will take me and drown out my thoughts.

End of Book One