Living Amongst The Dead

Chapter 13

It took twenty minutes to explain everything. I started the story with rescuing Calem then finished with Calem and I on the highway.

"Whoa." Said Ben who summed it all up with that one word. "You guys have been through some ruff situations together." He added as he stared at Calem sadly.

"Well I think that us humans should stick together." Added Gina with a sigh. "You two are welcome to stay with us if you want. That way we can watch each others backs."

"Thanks Gina, I think Calem and I will. Only if that's fine with the rest of you guys as well." I said as I glanced around the room. Everyone murmured an agreement and we got started on dinner.

Turns out these guys had actual vegetables growing nearby so Gina and I made a salad while Calem helped Ben out with some canned tomatoes, beans and rice. The dinner was great and we all sat down at a huge table and dug into our food.

I hadn't tasted something as fresh as vegetables in around two years. It had always been something out of a can and if you didn't like it, bad luck.

Ben sat opposite me, next to Calem. Those two joked around a lot and I was happy that Ben was getting along with Calem. The more friends the kid had, the better.

Max raised his glass and said, "A toast to Susan and Calem, it's good to have new people around here. Cheers!" It was the first time I'd heard the guy speak and his voice was pleasant. We all raised our glasses and took a sip. I was really starting to like these people and I think they liked Calem and I as well.

After dinner, we went through Calem's bag and mine, putting our supplies with the other stuff our newly found group had. Once we were finished, Calem tugged on my arm. "I'm tired." he said as his mouth stretched open in a yawn. "Do you think we could get some sleep?"

Ben turned around and smiled. He must have heard us talking. "Come on little man." He said as he scooped Calem up and into his arms. "Let's get you to sleep." And then he carried Calem to the room where all the sleeping bags were.

All the others had gone to bed as well and Ben found Calem's sleeping bag and tucked him in, even though he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Ben lent over and kissed his forehead then stood up and faced me.

"He's a good kid." He said as we walked back to the lounge room and sat on the sofa. "I know." I replied. "But he's been through a lot. I can't believe what happened to him. It's just the saddest thing and he's only like, what, nine years old?" I finished, my heart filling with sadness.

"We should get to bed." Ben said as he reached his hand out to help me up.

Ben's sleeping bag was right next to mine and Calem's. "Are you OK? I know you guys have been through a lot."

I could hardly hear Ben's whisper it was so quiet but I replied none the less.

"I'm OK as long as Calem's OK." Then we whispered goodnight to each other and drifted off to sleep.