Survival

Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE  (edited)

         Katherine wondered. She wondered where they would stay overnight. She wondered where they would find food. She couldn't just leave Katy to starve. Trust in the Lord. Trust in the Lord. Katherine kept repeating in her mind. She especially worried about catching up with the others without being caught by the Gramblers. She would have to be punished or put to death just because she protected innocent children and families. But she knew everything was in God's hands.

            They had to find food. Katherine glanced at Katy. Katy was a strong girl, stronger for her age. She was walking slowly and her expression was calm. She was here walking beside Katherine but in her eyes Katherine could clearly see that she was miles away in her thoughts. The expression on the young face scared Katherine. Katy somehow looked older than her twelve years. Something about her made her seem like an adult. She didn’t get a good education when she was younger, only the first four years. But yet, she seemed to be smarter. The toughness in her makes her older. It’s sad for such a young girl to already have a life that even an adult had never lived before. Katy’s mother died before Katy was sent away but she doesn’t know where her father is. He might be dead and gone or somewhere out there waiting for her. It is Katy’s one hope.

            Something caught Katy’s eye because she suddenly pointed at something in awe. Katherine followed her gaze and her eyes widened in disbelief. At the edge of the dark woods was a beautiful pear tree. The strong trunk gracefully held up the branches that were royally holding big, juicy pears. The sunlight poured on the tree making the pears look gold. And it is a gold find!

            "A pear tree in the middle of nowhere?!" Katy squeaked.

            Katherine’s eyes watered.

            "It’s a gift from God."

            Katy walked to the tree and gently touched the low branches. Katherine admired the pears.

            "Katy, let’s thank God."

            They dropped to their knees and heartfully thanked the Lord. Katherine weaved baskets out of big leaves nearby. The weaving took a few minutes but she made three big baskets. They picked pears until their baskets were heavy enough that they might rip.

            "This would be enough for our trip," Katy exclaimed.

            "Let’s eat and then get going."

       They ate what was left from the tree. They were full and this gave them a burst of energy and strength for the long walk. They continued their journey carrying the heavy baskets but took breaks when their arm muscles began to ache. The pears were enough for four days.