Chloe came behind my father rubbing his shoulder. My father took her hand in his squeezing it. He could feel her wedding ring which she still wore. He also still had his. But not on his finger. He was afraid of loosing it. Which he had already done twice. Luckily the ones who found it had returned it.
Now his golden band was attached to his dog tags. Those he never lost. And he didn't intend to. He had never gotten his wife a diamond ring. Chloe never minded though. She never expected that. She loved him either way. And she would go with him to the ends of the earth.
She missed her home. She always did. She always would. My father knew this.
"I'm sorry sweet heart", he whispered squeezing her fingers wrapping them in his own. It's what he always said each night to her.
He blamed himself for this. He felt responsible. She didn't deserve this. None of their kids did either. My mother smiled kissing his head, "Don't be", she whispered.
She stroked him, "You have to be strong Alex.....they look up to you", she advised kindly and quietly.
My father stared into the dimly lit room, "They've gotten big Chloe.....their getting bolder. Reckless. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up and keep them safe", he whispered.
Chloe looked at her husband stroking him and sat down leaning her head against his shoulder getting comfortable, "Roles change Alex.....we're getting old. You've done a good job raising them, their just as brave as you", said Chloe.
Alex sighed, "But they aren't thinking Chloe....they aren't thinking-",
Chloe shook her head, "Under such pressure Alex......I don't think you were thinking much either about the risks", said Chloe. She shifted sighing, "I'm not saying I like it every time they do something....or have to shoot someone.....I definitely don't enjoy watching them do it. But.....times have changed. We can't do everything", said Chloe.
Alex shifted stroking the side of her head.
"I know.....I still want to", said Alex.
"I know", whispered Chloe.
"I love you", he whispered.
Chloe looked at him, "I love you too", she whispered kissing him.
YOU ARE READING
Scavengers {#Wattys2016}
خيال علميThe New World Order....The Pure Ones they called themselves. They took everything from us...from me. It's all about survival. Survival of the fittest.... I have the education of a tenth grader.... I dreamed of being a doctor.... We once had a home...
