The Ruins Of Tomorrow

18. The Boy In A Puffer Jacket

"You know I can help fight the monsters too, Scarlet."

Blocking my way, Thomas stood with his hands on his hips, his jacket zipped up tightly, and a black beanie covering his soft hair. He seemed to be getting taller. He used to stand just right at my chest level, but now he has grown and is reaching my shoulder. His cheeks have slimmed down, and he's becoming more intelligent with each passing day.

"I don't want to risk that," I said.

"I can take care of myself," he stated. "And nothing will happen because I'll be with you and Lia."

The older he became, the stronger his desire grew to learn and comprehend this unfamiliar world. Despite my initial hesitation, I found myself unable to resist. I was a role model for the kid, and I could honestly say that the feeling was mutual. But there was a side of me that wanted him to stay inside the walls.

Where it's safe.

Lia stood beside me and I felt a gentle squeeze on my shoulder as I turned my head towards her. "Are we ready to head out?"

My eyes met Thomas's and I let out a breath instantly. "Yes, and Thomas is coming along... if that's alright."

Lia lifted her chin and casually slung her backpack onto her shoulder. Despite the lack of warm clothing, she didn't appear to be cold at all. She stuck to her usual attire of a ribbed tank top and dark denim jacket. Does this girl never get cold?

"Does he know how to kill a biter at least?" Lia asked, practically insulting my brother as he rolled his eyes.

"Of course I know how!" he argued. "I know what it takes to take one down."

Lia raised her hand in surrender and motioned for us to follow as the tall gates opened. To clear a path for us, the guards on the walls drew their brows and shot at the small horde. Another group stepped out to clear the dead bodies as they tossed them across the road, so they wouldn't pile up outside the gates.

Lia was too good. With quick and accurate movements, she raised her hatchet and focused her aim on the biter. It fell to the ground and made a loud thud. There was something moving on my ankle. It tugged at me, trying to pull me down just when I twirled around and stomped my foot on its skull.

Lia came into my sights, grabbing me by the forearm. "Do you not know what it means to be careful?" she said.

"You're going to be worrying more about her than me," Thomas admitted, taking out his compass and gazing back at the long road.

"Dean wants us back in an hour, not later than two," I responded back and felt the map in my pocket before taking it out.

We had made it halfway down the road when, out of nowhere, she stopped in her tracks and began scratching her head. With a sigh, she carefully placed her hatchet into the pocket of her bag, and then guided me and Thomas out of the road and into the dense forest.

"What are you doing?" I questioned, pulling back my wrist.

She snatched the map out of my hand and took out a red pen. She took off the cap with her mouth and circled a random location on the frayed paper. "We have a slight change in plans," she broke out.

Thomas moved closer to glimpse at the map. "What's in Kirksville? I thought we were just—"

"Clearing out the dead in the area," I finished his thought. "Lia, what's the meaning of this?"

There was a certain look in her eyes, and if I didn't know any better, she was trying to hide something from the others. But I wasn't sure if I should say something before we got ourselves into more trouble than what we already are.