Safe Haven

Chapter Fourteen - Ben

Spending the week with Matilda had produced a few second thoughts...

Every time I talked with her, another part of me began to wish to stay in the community. Every time she smiled up at me as I explained something to her, a piece of me deep inside told myself that maybe it wasn't so bad there. Every single time she laughed, I wanted to stay anywhere she was forever. However, a bigger, obviously more intelligent part of me told me to leave as quickly as possible. I'd been literally kidnapped; how could I possibly want to stay? Not to mention the blatant force for me to use my powers when I didn't want to or physically couldn't anymore.

So, despite having a great time hanging out with Matilda, I still decided I was leaving that weekend. After my training on Tuesday, I began to put my plan into action.

"What do you want?" One of the workers in the food department asked in an unkind manner. Immediately, I shrunk back a bit, feeling like maybe it had been a mistake to even come here. However, I persisted.

"Uhm... I was sent here to... help?" I said in a questioning sort of tone. I figured maybe they would just accept the help and I could just sneak some non-perishable foods out with me.

"Ohhh, they sent me a new guy?" The woman asked, turning to one of her coworkers who had previously been busy making some sort of dressing. The coworker shrugged.

I didn't offer any answer, but the lady pointed back to a large door just past them.

"That's the storage room, go in there and sort through all of the stuff that's about to go bad, bring that stuff out to us so we can use it up first. Other than that, I don't wanna hear a peep outta ya," she stated firmly. I nodded in confirmation and hurriedly moved for the room she'd gestured to. This is exactly how I'd hoped it would go – they'd given me complete access to the entire food storage. I smiled to myself as I began going through the food. When I found a canned or boxed item that likely wouldn't expire for quite a while, I shoved it in my pockets. And of course, maybe I'd taken a little more than I needed to.

After I'd finished, I left immediately so as to avoid the vision I'd seen in which one of the women confronted me about my suddenly bulging pockets. Despite my fear of getting caught, I repeated the heist on Wednesday and even Thursday. I was sure at that point I'd gotten myself enough food and (hopefully) enough water to escape and get myself to some sort of civilization.

That Thursday, I stole a strapped bag from a supply closet in the training area. Then, when I got home, I stuffed all of my takings – bottles of water, cans of soup and noodles, crackers, and bread – into it.

I spent Friday at war with myself. I wanted so badly to tell Matilda that I was leaving, but I didn't want anyone else to find out. Not to mention, I still wasn't sure if they had Matilda brainwashed enough to see an issue with my escape. I couldn't let my last impression of Matilda be a sour one. Especially after the wonderful week we'd had. So, all of the stress and regrets and worries came to a head that night after an incredibly long and difficult training session. I walked home sobbing, feeling like even if I did leave, nothing could make the world feel better right now. Nothing could bring Alden back. Not even me.

Despite feeling the need to avoid Matilda out of guilt for deciding to leave without telling her, I knocked on her door seeking comfort. And, of course, she willingly and unknowingly gave it to me. She held me in her arms as I cried about Alden, and leaving, and my stupid ability to tell the future. She held me in her arms even after I trauma-dumped all over her.

And, unfortunately, she also just let me leave without any complaint when I informed her I was going to my room for sleep.

"See you in the morning," she told me, probably as a way to comfort me further.