THE PASSAGE

New Responsibilities

Chapter 28

I give Solstice the hatchet and hunting knife from the backpack and then watch her disapp

ear down the trail and into the woods. I finally get a chance to pee, then go back inside and flop down in the bed next to Cain and Toby.

"Hello there, Cain."

I look into his eyes and notice a little smile form on his lips. Then he starts kicking his feet.

"Are you hungry?

He kicks his feet some more, and I assume that to be a 'yes.'

"Okay, then." After carrying him to Solstice's bed, I pull off my top and lie next to him. I watch him for a few moments and realize that doing this is not so bad, at least not for Cain. I close my eyes and think about this situation we are in—I find myself lost somewhere in the universe. I'm rooming with a girl from another galaxy and now nursing her son for her. I'm also nursing my boyfriend. Yesterday, I killed six people. Okay, any moment now, I'm ready to wake up from this. It's all a dream. It has to be.

Cain appears full now, so I pat him for a few moments, and he soon falls asleep. I suppose I should try to wake Toby and give him a turn also. He probably should drink water as well.

Finding all of our water bottles empty, I grab a discarded bottle and fill it with the gourd on the table. I taste it first, finding that it tastes as it should. I walk over to Toby and call his name, then gently shake him. He squints his eyes open and stares up at me. I place my hand under his neck, lift his head, and then bring the bottle to his lips. He drinks about a third of it. I replace the top and set it on the floor and then climb into bed with him.

I lie on my stomach, then cup his cheek in my hand, and look him in the eye. He looks back at me, seeming confused.

"Good morning, Toby. How are you feeling?"

He mumbles something, but I don't understand it. I lean in closer and ask him to repeat it.

"I don't feel so good. Where are we?"

"It's okay. I'll explain everything later. You're feeling that way because you've lost a lot of blood. We're safe for now, and the best part is you are doing better. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

He nods 'yes' while his eyes scan the cabin. He returns his gaze to me, staring at my chest, and it is then that I realize I am topless. I kiss his forehead and then lie on top of him as I had done last night, and he takes my nipple into his mouth. I can't believe I am doing this.

*****

I slowly open my eyes and pick my head up as the aroma of roasting meat fills my nostrils, remembering that I had fallen asleep with Toby and Cain. But I am confused when I notice Toby gone from my bed. Looking over to the other bed, I see Cain sound asleep, appearing as a little bundle under the blanket. I notice that Solstice has started cooking the rabbit over the burning embers. The poor thing has a stick running through its carcass.

"Solstice ... Toby?"

I jump out of bed, still struggling for balance, then reach for my shirt and pull it over my head. As I am about to take a step, the door opens, and Solstice appears, supporting Toby for balance as they walk through the door.

"Solstice, why is Toby up?"

"He needed to P."

"Oh, how long have I been asleep?"

"About two hours."

"Oh, darn. I'm sorry." I help Solstice sit Toby at the bedside.

"Toby, do you think you can manage to eat a little food?" she asks.