Deep Down

First Day Out

I opened my eyes, had I fallen asleep? Vale and Devina were already up, gathering... berries? Or something, but it was a smart idea, I am starving. I just realized how thirsty and hungry I was. I sat up and heard my back cracking, it felt good. I cracked my knuckles and wiped the tiredness out of my eyes. It was so bright out, I've been so used to the artificial light in that facility that this seemed so refreshing. The smooth breeze, the dewy grass, the scent of leaves waving in the air. I stretched myself out and stood up. My legs are still sore from all that running, it felt nice to take a break. I know we would have to go after the others got up.

It was then that I heard the quiet snoring of someone, right beside me while I was sleeping. Dakota's fluffy blonde hair was slightly hanging over his eyes and some drool dripping from the corners of his mouth. Cutie. I watched as his chest slowly rise and fall in a gentle manner. I'm happy that we're all out of that horrid place, I can't imagine what the others have gone through in there.

"Morning, Vale and I have been up and waiting for you guys to wake up. Right now we are gathering berries because I'm sure we are going to have to go far. I honestly can't even promise that we'll be safe. Dakota doesn't even know how to read. Walk around a little and stretch your legs out. Vale and I have enough so we can relax for now while we wait for the others if you run into anything let me know." Devina is clearly the one taking charge here, and that's good. She's a good leader, for sure.

I reached my arms up towards the air, loosening up the muscles. Vale gave me a kind smile and a wave, I smiled back. My whole body was stiff and hurting worse and worse as I continued to walk. I heard the sound of birds singing, and the rustling of bushes around me. This was so beautiful, who wouldn't want to see this? I don't think I could ever think something was this amazing. I looked up to see the sun glaring through the rustling leaves, and the clouds gently glide by. I could stare at this forever. I hadn't realized that minutes passed by until Dakota came up and jumped on my back.

"Hailey! Good morning!!" Dakota giggled in excitement as I stumbled and almost lost my balance. "Piggyback ride!"

I heard his laugh, this kid is so happy after all that had happened? I smiled. Children really are special, huh? He was already on my back, so I bent my knees so that way I could lift him up more to make us both more comfortable. He had his arms around my neck and his legs wrapped around my waist. I started to stroll back to where the others were with the little one on my back. I didn't have to look behind me to see that he was looking around with amazement and wonder.

"UGH do I REALLY have to get up?" I saw as Aiden sat up and groaned, rubbing his cheek that had a little bit of grass stuck to it.

"Aiden, yes we have to. I'm sorry but we need to go." Vale attempted to calm him down.

"UGH," he groaned again this time and ruffled his hair, "I'M SO HUNGRY!"

Vale's attempt didn't work. Devina stood up with a basket, that she seemed to make out of fallen twigs, filled with berries. Dakota jumped off my back and went to snatch up a berry, showing a big ear to ear smile. Vale walked over there and ruffled the little one's blonde hair. Devina gave everyone a look and with a nod of the head, we knew it was time to go. Dakota hopped on Aiden's back, and with that, we started on the way.

"Where do we plan on going? Are we going to stay in the forest, or keep on going until we find a city of some kind?" Vale questioned. Huh, I didn't think of that.

"I want to find a city, something where we can blend in well. You never know when they might come back to find us. We will never be normal, any of us, and we have to accept that." Devina sighed.