The Hunting

Chapter 49

A couple of days after arriving in the Burrow, it seemed like the hunters have lived here for years. Timmy slept in our house, Calum was in Nate's house, Pietra stayed with Shelby, and Javier stayed at Tatum's. Don stayed in the sick house so that his wound could be treated properly. It was amazing to see how quickly the Hunters bonded with my friends. We would visit Don, teach the hunters about life in the Burrow, and hang out. Today was especially a happy day because our healer said that Don would be completely healed in a couple more days! We were all excited – some more than others – because we were wanting to take everyone hunting.

Since returning, Nate, dad, and I had a relatively easy workload. Everyone said that they wanted us to rest, but I think it is because they are worried about our health. It is true, both Nate and I lost a lot of weight from our journey. All my clothes were baggy, and my pants were falling down. Having all this downtime left me quite bored, which is why I volunteered along with Conner to deliver meals to Don. What usually happened was we would drop it off and talk for a bit, then I would leave. So that's what I'm doing now. I am walking back alone after dropping dinner off for Don. I left Conner and Don chatting away, I don't even think they noticed that I slipped out. I was thinking about those two when I heard hushed whispers in one of the many groves in the Burrow. Who is talking? I took a couple of steps toward the noise. No, I shouldn't, I do not even know who it is. Maybe it's something private. I was about to turn around and continue walking when I heard, "Ryan, you still haven't answered my question from the other night."

My eyes flew open, that was Pietra's voice. I guiltily walked up so that I could hear better. I heard my dad sigh. I feel bad for listening in, but I want to know the answer as well. Just like last time, my dad stayed silent for a while. After a couple of minutes of silence, he finally responded, "Well, that's a hard question to answer. If you kids did not want to come, then I would not be able to force you to. For a long time it was my ultimate goal to go back to my wife, to Arden..." he trailed off for a little bit.

I heard him chuckle lightly. My guess is that Pietra made a facial expression to spur him on. Another sigh, "I think knowing what I know now, I would've stayed with you kids." My eyes flew open as he continued, "Although I wanted to get back to my family as soon as possible, I knew that they would be safe in the Burrow. Arden could grow up and become a strong, independent woman – which she did, and Esther would be able to move on if she wanted. You kids though, you needed me."

Pietra responded angrily, "You would choose us over your own family? We would've been able to manage just fine without you!"

"If you already chose an answer for me, then why were you so persistent in knowing my answer?" My dad responded calmly.

Pietra sputtered, "B-because... I thought you were going to say your family because you didn't care about us..."

There was more silence, but then I heard footsteps and sniffles. My dad spoke up first, "Pietra, you know that I couldn't just abandon you all. You kids helped me continue living and became family to me."

After that, I heard more sniffles. I think I should go now. I took a couple of steps and looked back. So that was his answer. My thoughts were silent as I finished the walk back to my house. In all honesty, I did not know what to think. Am I mad at him for his answer? Or do I agree with him? I crept silently into my house. My mom might be asleep already and Timmy must be too. I went into mine and Timmy's room – which we have been sharing since he got here. I changed, laid down on my cot, and quickly fell asleep.

I awoke in the prairie. I stood up looking around me, no one and nothing was around for miles except the tan, dead grass. Hello? I spoke aloud in my dream. 

I could not hear anything even though I felt a slight breeze on my face. I started to walk. I had no idea where I was going. It felt I was walking for forever. The only change was that the wind was getting harder and harder. I was struggling against the wind, but it was pushing me in each and every direction, it almost seemed like hands were pushing me. A large gust took me by surprise, and it pushed me to the ground. Luckily, my hands were able to break my fall. I stood back up, but I was no longer in the prairie. I was in the tent back at the scavenger's campsite. I looked furiously around for my dad, but he was not there. My attention was brought to the entrance of the tent when it was swung open – it was Mike. A silent gasp ripped through my throat as I backed into the corner of the tent. Mike laughed sinisterly. There's no escape this time sweetie, not in a long shot. 

He walked toward me. I tried to run, but my legs were glued to the ground. When Mike stood in front of me, his hand wrapped around my throat. I tried to push him off, but my attempts were futile. As I said, there's no escape. 

He brought his face closer to mine and –

I jolted awake. I was a panting, sweating mess. I looked around to find myself in my cot in the Burrow. Timmy was sleeping peacefully on the other side of the room. I brought my hands up to my face and started to weep. I hate this. This has been the third night in a row that I've been having this dream. I let out a sigh. Well, there is no way that I am sleeping after that. I hung my legs over the bed pushing myself up. I walked toward the entryway of my room, being careful not to step on any of the creaky floorboards. I pushed aside the curtain that was being used as the door and continued to walk through my house. I grabbed a jacket, since the only thing I was wearing was knee-length shorts and a thin shirt, and then slipped on some simple shoes. I stepped outside my house and sighed again. Maybe if I go to the southern edge and scream, no one will hear me. I laughed at myself as I started to walk towards the center of the Burrow. Sometimes at night, people would go there to chat or have meetings. Instead of screaming, hopefully, I can find someone to distract me from my nightmare. 

I was walking for a couple of minutes when I heard someone call my name. I looked around to try and see who it was. I couldn't see the best, but I saw the shadowy figure come closer. It was only until they were in front of me that I recognized them. I greeted them, "Oh hello Javier. Out for a stroll?"

He shrugged, "I couldn't sleep. Care to join me?"

I smiled, "I would love to join you."