The Outbreak (The Nursery Nurse)

Fourteen

As the days dragged on Charlotte had made a routine for herself to make the time of being stuck at the house pass by quicker.

She'd pace the house as much as she could in the mornings, trying to outrun any unwanted thoughts.

She'd tend to Autumn who was suffering with bad morning sickness. At least the lie wasn't questionable if she was really ill or not to the others.

She would bring her water and encouraging words, sometimes when Autumn was feeling well enough they even talked for awhile.

She'd do washing and other chores before trying to build up her strength further and take a walk.

Once Charlotte stepped outside she smiled, it was beyond beautiful.
The ground was covered in a thick blanket of snow.

She remembered always loving snow, even as a little girl, the tranquility of it brought a sense of safety to her. A sense of nostalgia and longing for how things once where.

The trees were still and so was the world, the morning glow was soft and muted on her skin.

It was a reminder that the world was still alive, somewhat.

She shivered at the cold that bit at her as she trudged forward with difficulty. When she finally approached the stable she smiled triumphantly.

"Morning Fighter." She said gently, walking forward.

The horse threw his head against the bars wildly in excitement.

She was wearing Mia's satchel, she opened it up before whisking out an apple. She admired it slightly before holding it up in her gloved hand. Fighter stuck his head between the bars frantically.

He ate it immediately, nudging her hand softly.

She chuckled lightly before she began to pet him.

There was something about him that comforted her, she wasn't sure quite what it was. It brought a familiar sense of authority to her.

"Just two more weeks and I can finally be out of this thing." Charlotte sighed looking down to her cast in annoyance.

Fighter leaned more into her.

She turned her head slightly, surveying the empty stable behind him, "You must be so lonely out here all by yourself." She said sadly.

He nudged her hand once more.

She chuckled before retrieving another apple.

Whilst he ate she spoke, "I'm sorry I can't bring you anything better, we don't have a lot ourselves."

She smiled sadly as she watched him retreat backwards slowly.

"I'll see you tomorrow." She said softly before turning back towards the path.

-

Marjorie leant against Reece.

They were sitting on the porch steps of Matilda's house, nursing warm teas and watching the world pass by, soaking up the unfamiliar moment of peace.

"She's certainly a character." She said smiling.

Reece replied lightly, "Yeah."

Marjorie looked up at him, slight worry in her chest. "What's wrong?"

He averted his eyes before inhaling deeply.

"I'm worried about Aut." He said slowly.

She straightened up slightly, listening intently now.