The Ruins Of Tomorrow

12. Help

My encounters with people in the past have been a mix of good and bad individuals. Some were better at hiding their intentions, while others didn't care if you knew what they were after. People did what they had to do. There was a clear divide between those who placed the utmost importance on preserving human life and those who were willing to risk injury or harm in pursuit of their goals.

"Don't forget your place, Scarlet."

Sometimes I would wake up in the mornings hearing Hunter's voice. I had not completely figured out who he was, and there was still some mystery surrounding him. One thing that I was absolutely certain about was that he was a man who had two faces; A liar who brought destruction with him wherever he goes. 

While I was assisting Kate in the garden, I attentively followed her instructions on the appropriate method to plant a vegetable. Potatoes, in particular, were her absolute favorite food, but she also loved any type of berries just as much.

My intention was to gather as much information about Terrenceville as possible, without raising any suspicion. I wanted to know everything. I didn't have any ulterior motives, but simply wanted to gain a better understanding of those within these walls.

"I have a question," I said, wiping dirt off my arm. "What do you know about Dean's former friend?"

Kate accidentally dropped a berry and lifted her head to look at me. "How do you know about that?"

I looked at her, confused. "What do you mean? I overheard people mention it before and I was curious."

She patted the soil and took out a small shovel. "It's just stuff from the past. We usually try to not talk about it, since Dean doesn't like it."

Just as I was about to ask another question, the sound of the gates opening in the distance caught me off guard. The guards on top of the walls were clearing out the dead again. The fact that we were quite close meant that I could pick up on the muffled growls and scratching sounds that were coming from the other side of the walls. With the help of a few volunteers, the problem was taken care of and they returned with blood on their clothes and weapons.

I couldn't help but notice one guard with a worried look as they took out their radio, whispering distinct words as the contraption clicked after a few seconds. More and more keep coming. That's what his face read. I focused back on patting the soil.

"I really appreciate your help, Scarlet," Kate said.

I lifted my shoulders. "It's no problem," I replied. "I don't mind it. It's actually kind of fun."

I patted the soil once more before grabbing the watering can. From the corner of my eye, I saw Kate glance upwards and then shift her attention towards a lady with black hair. The middle-aged woman exited a brick building and walked past us swiftly. I wasn't sure whether I should have waved at Melissa, but she appeared to be in a hurry.

I kept gawking for some reason. She appeared pale and held a handkerchief to her mouth, as if she was coughing. I noticed she had a folder in her hand before she went inside the infirmary. The last time I'd seen her was in the cells, and I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her before Dean showed up to release me. Her decision to help me left me wondering about the reason behind her actions. Dean didn't seem to be fond of her, or rather he didn't expect Melissa to be down there with me.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I looked at Kate who smiled. "Hey, do you mind getting me another basket over there?" she pointed at a working bench and I simply nodded. "After that, you can go home and rest."

"Sure thing," I said and got up.

I wiped the dirt off my jeans and walked through the crops to a long wooden table. All the essential tools and equipment were provided for the crops and workers, which included shovels, trowels, shears, hatches, hoes, fertilizers, and a couple of wheelbarrows.