Talen

“Do you think that’s possible?” Milo asks. “Layshell is right; we’re very low on supplies. If we’re going to be walking for days, we’re going to need more than what we have. This time of year, foraging won’t be easy. It will take a lot of extra time, and we still won’t find much.”

“Luther’s been catching a lot of small game,” Ava says.

“We can’t all live off of that,” Luther says. “Not enough nutrition long term.”

“He’s right,” Aerin says. “We’re going to have to come up with more supplies.”

“I’m not sure the complex is the answer,” I say. “They know about us, and they’re probably guarding the area. Hilltop might be a better place to get what we need.”

“Too many houses,” Aerin says. “We won’t be able to scrounge enough quickly, especially with your ‘no trace left behind’ rules.”

“Those are out the window at this point.”

“That will make it a little easier,” Aerin says, “but the northern shaft to the complex is closer to here than we are to Hilltop. How long do you think what we have will last?”

“If we rationed well, a week,” I say. “Not much longer with this many people.”

“It’s been a long day,” Milo says. “I think we should all get some rest and figure out our next steps tomorrow. Talen, I want to speak with you outside for a moment.”

As the other prepare for the night, Milo and I walk down to the river with water bottles in hand. As I start to fill them, he speaks.

“I told everyone in there that I trust you,” Milo says. “That wasn’t a lie, but I’m still going to be watching you very closely, Talen. I understand why you did what you did, but you should have trusted

us more. We would have protected your secret, just as you protected us from the Thaves.”

“I didn’t want to put any of you at risk,” I say.

“I know that.” Milo holds a hand up. “I just want you to know that I said what I said for the sake of the others. They need to believe in you if we’re going to survive this. That doesn’t mean you aren’t on notice.”

“I understand. I’d never do anything to hurt any of you. I hope you know that.”

“I think I do.” Milo reaches out and shakes my hand.

“You’ve taken on a lot of responsibility here,” I say. “Are you sure you’re up for it?”

“I’ll be fine,” he says with a grin. “I like giving people orders.”

“Ha!”

“Are you going to be all right with that?” Milo asks.

“Most certainly.”

“Good.”

When we return with the water, Aerin is lying down near the entrance of the depression, away from the others. Before I have a chance to join her, Ava steps in front of me. We stare at each other for a long moment.

“I don’t like it,” Ava finally says. “I don’t like that you lied to me and that you didn’t trust me with the truth. I don’t like it, and I’m still mad at you, but you need to know that I understand why you did it. I understand and I forgive you.”

My relief is palpable. I reach out and take Ava into my arms, hugging her tightly.

“You have no idea how much that means to me,” I say. “You have every right to be angry with me, but I’m glad you understand. I would never do anything to hurt you, Ava. Never!”

“I know.” She gives me a quick smile before she takes a step back, allowing Layshell room to come forward.

“This belongs to you,” she says, holding out the mat she made for me.

“Thank you.” I take it from her slowly. “Are you sure you still want to give it to me?”