We Have To Work Together

Chapter Fourteen: Rain

Mac somehow managed to make a shelter out of some twigs. Don't ask me how because I don't know.

It was even big enough where we didn't have to touch each other if we were all inside of it at once.

Thank goodness for that.

A few minutes later, Jack is conked out in the back of the hut as I sit outside.

Ever since I was young I've loved to sit outside and listen to the night sounds. The crickets chirping, the owls, it's just a symphony of voices.

That's when I feel Mac come out and sit next to me. 

We sit in silence for a bit until he breaks the silence.

"What are you doing out here? It's kind of cold."

"I don't care."

He smiles then pauses before asking, "So, you seem kind of withdrawn all the time. What's your back story?"

We sit for a few seconds in silence before I answer.

"When I was younger, both of my parents were murdered. The people who murdered them also took my eyesight. Anyway, since I didn't have parents anymore, I was sent to live with my aunt. She thought I was useless so she physically abused me. I still have trust issues."

I feel Mac lean back a little bit in surprise.

"And how did you get to working for this S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"When my parents were murdered, I resolved to catch the murderers. S.H.I.E.L.D. helps me catch people like them every day.

Mac nods. 

"When I was little, my dad left. At first I thought he just left because my mom died. But then I started finding clues of his whereabouts. I realized that he probably didn't leave by choice. This watch and pocket knife are all that I have left of him," he says, sadness creeping into his voice.

I give him a small smile, "I'm sure you'll find him someday."

"I hope so."

I stand up and brush the pine needles off of my pants. "In the meantime, I think we should get some sleep."

Mac grins and we walk to the shelter together.