The Ruins Of Tomorrow

15. Strings

The rain had finally stopped by the time we returned to Terrenceville.

Dean drove through as the gates opened. A crowd gathered around the vehicle and were amazed to see that we were still alive. It was evident from their faces that they were assuming the worst. A simple supply run wouldn't cause us to come back horribly injured.

Dean had to give reassurance to Terrenceville and covered up the real reason by saying we got trapped in a mall with a horde of the dead. Ashley had covered her wound with her jacket and walked alongside Dr. Owen, who knew more than the others. He was one of the few folks who was led on by what happened. Dean told me it would be best to not tell the other civilians, as it would only worry them. That meant not mentioning anything to my brother.

A nurse held Noah's arm as he limped through the crowd. After the long drive, he suddenly broke out sweating and his face became pale. The sight of him looking terribly sick made me feel like I was responsible for everything that occurred back in the city.

I saw Thomas in the distance as he pushed through the crowd and his eyes were wide as he looked me up and down.

"God-Scarlet, what happened?"

The blood on my hands was dry and the side of my head still felt fuzzy and sore. My throat throbbed and I felt a little sick. I'm tired. I just wanted to sleep it off and pretend nothing happened. If only it were that easy.

"We crashed our car in a horde. I almost got pulled out of the window."

"You need to see the doctor," he said, grabbing my hand to see a cut. "You're hurt."

I softly nodded. "I'll be fine. Hopefully."

"Scarlet-"

"You and I have been through much worse," I said. "This is basically nothing."

I took out a bag from my backpack when I saw the young mother approach us. Her eyes were sparkling as her complete focus was on the scratches on my arms, then she looked up. She carried her baby boy in her arms. From what I remembered, she had told me her name was Amy. She asked if I was doing alright as the look of concern was smeared over her face.

I handed her the bag of supplies and she looked down. "It's not a lot, but hopefully enough for a while," I said.

She was on the brink of tears and grabbed my hand to shake it first. "I'm so glad. Thank you."

"It's no problem," I answered. "I know your kid matters to you, just like my brother matters to me."

Thomas instantly looked at me with a saddened gaze.

She had to ask about what happened to my face and hands. I overlooked the bruises over my skin and back at Amy with curious wide eyes, simply telling her it was nothing. I couldn't tell anyone about it. There was no point in having them worry too. Not yet, at least.

"Not just you, but the others looked stressed," she pointed out. "Did something else happen?"

"It's nothing to worry about," I assured. "We're all okay, and that's what matters the most."

It was quick, but I heard Melissa's voice in the back crowd. With a slight turn of my head, I directed my attention towards Dean, who seemed to be feeling rather uneasy about something. More often than not, a strain of discomfort or gap would exist between them. She had a folder in her hands and Dean whispered back at her. Eventually, they went to go find the doctor in the clinic.

"I'll be back," I said to Amy and Thomas.

I left just before my brother stopped me and I saw Amy's baby smile back. There was a sudden ache in my chest, but I shrugged off the feeling before I went inside the infirmary. A nurse stood in front of me as I nearly bumped into her. She had a clipboard to her chest and raised an eyebrow at me. "Oh, are you also needing assistance?"