Don't Be Afraid

Chapter 35

*2 Months Later*

Issac's POV

Hunter and I were sent out for food. Lately we've had good luck with hunting. There's been plenty of deer, turkey, and fish, but with the seasons changing it's like they just disappeared all together. We've been out here for hours and haven't found a single thing. Our aggravation is starting to show.

After a few more miles, Hunter throws his hands up, almost like he's surrendering. "Dude face it. There's nothing out here today. We have to go back."

I give him a dirty look. "We're not going back empty handed. Those girls are depending on us. Now come on." I start walking again. I hear leaves crunching and know he decided to listen for once.

-

After another long hour of searching, we stumble upon a cabin. It looks like it's made out of cedar wood with some paint chipped here and there. Other than that, it looks well kept. I pull out my pistol and pull the slide back, aiming it at the front door. Hunter follows my lead and does the same. We slowly make our way towards it.

When we reach the front door, we stand on the sides. I count down from three on my fingers and open the door. It makes a loud creaking  sound and eventually comes to a stop. I go in while Hunter hangs back.

The front room is dark and has a musty odor. On the floor is a mattress and a lantern. The mattress looks used and I can smell burning gas from the lantern. On the other side of the room is an open closet with clothes laying on the floor all around it. I finally motion Hunter in when the coast is clear. "I think this place is occupied."

"How can you tell?"

I point at the lantern and mattress. "You can still smell he gas. That lantern was used not too long ago. Plus the blankets on the mattress look like someone was tossing and turning all night."

He rolls his eyes. "Yeah, well they're not here now. Let's take what we can and get out before they come back." He moves towards the kitchen, but I hold him back. "What are you doing Issac?"

"Can we really steal from someone? I mean, what if it were us. Wouldn't you want someone to do the right thing?"

"I'm sure they'll understand. We have about eight kids to feed, plus five adults. We need this stuff more than this person does."

I let go of his wrist. "You can do this. I'll keep watch." He nods and goes into the kitchen. I hear cabinets being opened and closed. I stand at the front door keeping watch. I don't understand how he can do this. This is someone's stuff. They need it to survive and we're stealing it. What are they going to do? What if they can't find anything else?

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. When Hunter puts a hand on my shoulder I jump.

"I got some stuff. Now lets go." Shaking my head, I follow him into the woods. We jog for about twenty minutes and then switch to a walk for five. At this pace, we should be back at camp in a few hours. The thought calms me. I'm exhausted and I just want to sleep. These supply runs take a lot out of you, but at least we're not returning to camp empty handed. The kids are going to eat tonight. They're going to be fine.  This thought comforts me and gives me the energy to move forward. Not too far now.

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A/N

Hey guys! Since I won't be updating around this time, I just want to go ahead and wish everyone a  Happy Thanksgiving!