The Key to My Hart

Chapter 23

The three of us set off as soon as we were all awake. I munched on the rest of my rabbit from last night, attempting to portion the squirrel as I needed it until I could find iron pills. Both children carried their own bags with an extra set of clothes, a couple of canned foods, and a couple of water bottles.

I had offered to carry them, but they were determined to do it themselves. Josh also mentioned that I would need my arms free if we happened upon any biters.

My fears of coming across their father-turned-brute were short lived as we traveled in the opposite direction. The birds were chirping cheerfully. The sun was shining, and it was just cool enough that the hike wouldn't end up with us soaked in sweat.

Lacy mumbled to herself as she played with her doll. Josh led the group while I kept an eye on things from behind.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Lacy had fallen back to walk beside me. Her doll was now hitching a ride on her brother's backpack.

"I'm not sure. Woke up in a good mood." I shrugged. "It smells wonderful. Do you smell that?"

Lacy took a few steps away from me but kept up the same pace. "I hope you aren't talking about me or my brother."

I laughed at her expression. "No. It smells of pine trees. Did you know they are one of the few trees that stay green all year round?" Lacy still looked unconvinced. "I'm not going to eat you or your brother. I didn't even wake up with a headache this morning."

Doc was right about sleep being rejuvenating. The craving and need for iron was still there, but it was easier to keep it at bay today than it was yesterday. My nails were still pitch black, however. They were starting to grow on me.

I stepped down wrong and a stick jumped up and stabbed my pinky toe. I bit my lip to keep from swearing. I mourned the loss of my steal-toed black boots. Even the extra layer of socks did little to protect my feet from the traps of the woods.

Lacy giggled. She started jumping from root to root of the taller trees. "You're clumsy now. You weren't before."

"Well maybe that just means I'm a little more human today." I hummed to myself. Even the woods seemed quieter today even though I knew there were animals out and about. I only slept for about four hours, but it was a deep restful sleep. Not one that came from being knocked unconscious.

It would be a worry if we did come across a biter or dangerous human because I wasn't sure just how strong or fast I was since everything seemed to be dampened. All I could do was stay alert and plan ahead.

Josh halted. "The town should be over this hill."

I was taken aback by the "hill." It was basically a small mountain. I knew for a fact there were none in southeast or central Texas so where the hell had I ended up? His father must have been in killer shape in order to reach the town and back in one day.

After another hour of walking, my hands started shaking. The black veins were popping up again. Lacy was starting to lag behind. "We need to stop and rest."

I didn't wait for them before I found a rock to sit on and pulled out the rest of the squirrel. Lacy sat down beside me and munched on her half of the last rabbit. Josh kept walking a ways before finding a place to squat a little further up.

"I guess he's still mad at me for yesterday." I sighed and let the iron in the meat settle my nerves.

"I don't remember going this way to the town." Lacy mentioned. "It's taking way longer than I remember."

I frowned down at the girl, watching as she finished off the last bite of meat before licking her fingers. I studied Josh. His back was to us. His shoulders shaking slightly. Maybe he was leading us a different route because he was afraid of running into his father. I wished I could reassure him without letting on that I had killed what was once his last living parent. He deserved to know, but guilt ate away at me.