Starved

chapter 7

"Yeah, so how'd ya been?" Carl said in a voice that didn't seem surprised to see me at all. I know it's a small world but I thought he was a goner for sure.

"I've been good- actually no I've been horrible" I say honestly.

"So where are you staying?" He asked.

"No where really, in this tree for right now. Where are you staying?"

"My dad and I are in a hunting cabin about a half an hour away

"Then why are you in the tree?"

"Collecting acorns" He said with a smerk.

"Oh"

"Hey you want to come back to the cabin with me?" He said climbing down to my branch.

"Oh I couldn't impose on you guys."

"You won't...my dads sick and he needs the extra help" he says hiding his emotion

"Well alright, let's get going." I say grabbing my bags. I was so thankful to find him. He climbed down the tree first and then I followed. He grabbed my stuff then helped me down. When we got everything together he lead the way into a more dense part of the woods that I wouldn't usually travel. It was pitch black outside so I stayed extremely close to him I wanted to grab his shoulders but that would make me look defenceless. The only light was the moon. Which was a waxing crescent so it didn't give off much light. Not to mention it was covered up by all the trees. "How long did you say it was again?" I say quietly.

"Only about 30 minutes" he said in a bombastic tone obviously ignoring the fact that I wanted to stay quiet.

"Ugh I can't even see my own hand it's so dark."

"If it makes you feel better you can just grab onto my shoulders" he said kindly. I slowly brought my hands up and put them on his shoulder. I didn't saying anything and neither did he for awhile.

"You still alive back there?" he joked.

"No" I joked back

"Hahahaha, now who's going to sweep the floor?"

"Psh I wasn't doing that anyway!" I laughed

"You sure about that it's pretty messy?"

"Hmmm maybe.." We both laughed and continued to joke almost whole way there. Until we heard Rick coughing. It sounded like he was hacking up a lung. "Are you ok Carl?" I say holding tighter

"I'll be fine,he'll be fine," He said looking down. I let go of his shoulders as we get to the front steeps. He goes in first "hey dad how you doing"

"I've been worse" Rick said but it sure sounded like he was at his worst.

"I brought a guest"

"Who?" Rick questioned now sounding worried

"Eleanor" Carl said guiding me in

"Nice to see your again Eleanor" Rick said

"The same to you sir" I say with a smile. I don't think he knew how much I meant it. Carl brought me to a small room with a small bed.

"I know it's not much but-"

"No it's perfect,thank you ." I say cutting him off.

"Ok then, goodnight" he says leaving the room.

"Goodnight" I whisper to the closed door. I lay down on the bed letting out a sigh of relief. Then blow the candle and fall into a deep peaceful sleep.