The Third War

Chapter Fifty Four: Kristy

"I think that one goes there," I said putting a puzzle piece down. Zoe shook her head then moved it to the spot where it actually fit. "...I'm not much am I?"

She shook her head again.

Dustin laughed from his chair, "Don't feel bad
Kristy. She's had a lot of practice."

I gave up with the puzzle and repositioned myself on the end of the bed. Dustin suggested I help her with the puzzle since I had just been standing there while she did it, but puzzles weren't my strong suit.

"At least you tried!" He added cheerily while applauding. He was free of a needle at the moment, so his spirits were higher than they had been the other day. Dustin stood up and walked over to Zoe's bed.

She had also been in a better mood; I credited that to my presence of course. She had actually smiled earlier so I felt reassured she'd be back to her room soon.

That reminds me, I have to clean her room up... The sight of all the dried blood and the battered door would definitely not give the best "welcome back" feeling. I decided to draft Jeremy to help me when I left.

"Pssst," Dustin whisper yelled, "you know what you should do?" Zoe looked up at him. "You should totally eat now." He held up a cup of apple sauce with a spoon sticking in it. She shook her head.

He whined miserably, "Come ooon. You have to! The nurse you can't leave until you eat." I stifled a laugh. He looked so pitiful holding up the apple sauce waving it slightly in an attempt to make it look more appetizing.

She stuck her tongue out. "Why, why won't you eat it!"

She huffed, "I don't like applesauce!"

He stared at her and I noticed his eye twitch slightly, "WHAT? You refused to eat it this entire time because you don't like applesauce!?"

I smiled, "I don't blame her, it's nasty stuff."

Dustin looked trapped between screaming and crying so instead he threw it down and walked out. About ten seconds later, he walked back in, "You talked!"

Zoe smiled while I laughed. "So if I get something other than applesauce, will you..." He trailed off as the door opened and almost slammed into him. He hopped out of the way with a yelp.

Our dear friend Dr Tellez walked into the room as if we were peasants waiting his arrival. His gaze raked over Dustin disapprovingly before he looked at me with an unsettling smile. "Hello, how are we doing today?"

I gave him the trendy and traditional Kristy glare, "Fine."

As Zoe shrunk into herself her smile faded and the fear returned to her eyes. Yes, this guy was creepy, but I couldn't figure out why he terrified her so much.

"No better?"

"Nothing worth mentioning," I remarked.

He nodded, "You wouldn't mind if I talked to her alone would you?"

"Yes I would actually." Instead of listening, he pushed Dustin and me out of the room. "You have no need to worry. Your friend will be right next door." He slammed the door in my face.

"UGH!" I turned to rant, but Dustin was closer to me than I thought. "Um, sorry," he took an awkward step back. I just sighed really not in the mood for that. "Not that it's much consolation, but I will be right next door though, so if anything happens I'll go right over and calm her down."

"Alright, thanks...again."

"No problem," he muttered. I walked back down the halls this time not needing directions and only taking a few wrong turns.