Memories of Life

15. Decisions.

15. Decisions.

"Finally, the light." Tash thought opening her eye's. Many times during the night she woke to the sound of raindrops falling on the bedroll, accompanied by unfamiliar sounds of the bush. Skel was already awake huddled over the smouldering fire placing more of the dried stringy bark into the remaining embers. "Not too much Skel. It'll make smoke." Tash said trying not to sound annoyed.

Skel didn't reply, continuing to fan his hand at the fires base making it catch into a small flame, before placing a few nearby sticks onto it. Tash understood, she too didn't feel like talking from lack of sleep, and a body was crying with exhaustion. At home on the community she would sleep out for days with friends or her mother when hunting for game. Though a soft bed, with the comfort of family was never far away, and it certainly didn't rain like this. Shuffling closer to the fire and Skel she opened the backpack to offer him some jerky, which he refused with a wave of his hand not even bothering to look at her, but still noticing his blood-shot eyes from lack of sleep, and tears.

Removing a strip for herself, Tash chewed on it when a thought came to her. Placing the smoked meat between her teeth, she once again reached into the backpack removing the two folded pieces of paper in the well used zip-lock bags. Opening one of them she unfolded the paper inside, and on reading the first words the jerky drop from her mouth with a tightening in her chest. "What is it?" Skel asked, noting his sisters trembling hand holding the paper.

Tash exhaled attempting to compose herself, then said in a small voice. "It's from mum and dad."

"What's it say?" Skel asked, quivering.

Taking a deep breath to relieve the gripping sensation in her chest, Tash read the note out loud. "To our dearest children, with the beautiful shinning eyes. If you are reading this letter we have failed in our journey, so we pray that this letter finds you both safe. And if you're alone do not despair, we are always with you.

If we became separated at the hands of others or worse, please I beg you do not try to find us, for we are lost to you. Find only strength in yourselves and the memories of love we shared. And let this drive you on for the life we always hoped to give you, finding peace and happiness in a world of uncertainty.

But now you may be wondering what you should do? We believe you have one of only two options. The first is to return home to the community. We cannot know how far you have come by now, but it is your home. If you decide this, then tell our beloved friends what happened and contribute as best you can to its survival. The second is to continue on to the coast and wait for the arrival of the ones who sent the message? What will be waiting there for you, you're not to know.

Both decisions may seem dangerous and overwhelming to you now, but both of us know and believe you are so gifted. Tash your strength, bravery, and gentle clarity of mind will lead you both to succeed. Skel your never ending curiosity and wonder of the world and all its things, will be invaluable to what ever you decide.

To help you on your way one last time we have provided some simple items in your pack. One of these is a map which we updated daily of the route we took since leaving the community. Let it guide you to whatever it is you decide next. And remember to stay hidden as nearly all you meet will be a threat. So stay strong and be brave our darlings. The time we had together may have seemed short, but if you remember us, it will go on forever.

Goodbye our beloved children, and love always. Mum and Dad. XX

Squatting next to each other the pair sat silently for a moment, the words and thoughts of the letter spinning in their minds. Tash had managed to contain her tears while reading it, but they now flowed freely from her tired eyes. Skel moved closer placing his arm around her shoulder, he too grieving quietly, knowing like his sister this was the last time they would hear their parents. The reality now was undeniable - they were gone.