Chapter 24
Days Since Incident: 1103
Time: 14:15
Place: Campsite Market
Climate: 72°F
“He only did that because he loves you.” Mimi said to Grae once the kids were a few feet away from them. This morning’s argument was bothering Grae, and she was still sulking.
“All I wanted was a few hours to myself. I wanted to do a few things before everyone woke up.” Grae began explaining. “That’s all I asked for. But do I get it? No. I get yelled at instead.”
“Stop whining.” Mimi said in annoyance. “You are recovering from a very nasty fight. We are so lucky that you were able to walk away from it alive. You need rest.”
“But I had a full week of recovery!” Grae snapped back. “There are things that take precedent over my recovery.”
Mimi stopped walking, and grabbed Grae’s arm. “Nothing matters more than your life. No amount of power, or knowledge should take priority over your own life.” She had tears in her eyes as she spoke.
Grae bit her tongue; she had forgotten about Mimi’s daughter. Just before the world turned to shit, Mimi’s daughter (Stephy) died of a heart attack at the young age of 35. She was a bit of a workaholic, and at one point she was working four jobs. She had been responsible for a lot of things: the mortgage, bills, car payments, etc. She never asked for help, but was always there for others.
Her death occurred a few days prior to the first reported incident. Being her only child, Mimi never got over her daughter's passing. She had no one else; she lost the last of her immediate family when Stephy passed away.
Grae and Mimi bonded over grief; Grae never got over what she had done to her parents. Though she NEEDED to save Kris, it still pained her. It was a never-ending nightmare that plagued her every moment she was awake. She hated herself, even though she was able to save Kris.
“Look, I’m sorry.” Grae said softly. “You’re right; nothing should come before my own health. But I am responsible for so many people. There are so many threats outside these walls, and I haven’t figured out any of them. And besides, I was designed to take hits.”
Mimi continued walking, picking up an apple from a stand. Produce was slowly deplenishing. It had not rained in over a few weeks, and it was affecting the quantity (not to mention, quality) of the community garden.
Rayn, Grae, and the other Elders, were trying to find a way to create a water sprinkler system; but that was just one of the many problems they were dealing with. Lack of medical supplies, winter a few months away, and the number of Chasers roaming outside the walls increasing, among other things.
“I understand that you have responsibilities. But remember you answer to more than just yourself.” Mimi said as she put the apple down. Just then, the stand’s owner (Mr. Watt) ran up to Grae.
“Grae! I am so glad to see you’re doing better!” Mr. Watt exclaimed.
Grae was taken aback by his excitement. “Good afternoon Mr. Watt.” Grae said, biting the urge to run.
“Good afternoon Mr. Watt.” Mimi said.
“Good afternoon Mrs. Mimi.” he responded with a smile. He returned his attention back to Grae. “Have you and the others decided on what to do about the water shortage?”
“No, not yet.” Grae said. “We are looking to create some form of connection from the nearby lake to here. The river is a mile away though, but please believe me when I say we are working on it.”
The answer did not soothe Mr. Watt’s anxious mind, but it was enough for now. He quickly dashed back to the far side of the stand, and returned with something wrapped in a handkerchief.
“My wife made an apple pie last night…” he said in embarrassment. “You have to try it. She won a lot of competitions before all of this happened.” He carefully placed the slice of pie in her hands.
The thought of apple pie quickly rejuvenated Grae. “Thank you!” she said happily.
They said their goodbyes, and Grae and Mimi found themselves walking to another stand. There were refurbished kitchen appliances, books, and toys. The kids stopped there, and began to mess with the toys.
“Hey, you guys! Stop fooling around. We don’t want to break anything.” Grae warned. At the sound of Grae’s voice, Mrs. Hugh ran towards her.
“Grae! It is so good to see you up and about!” she said with a heavy southern accent.
“Why hello Mrs. Hugh.” Mimi and Grae said in unison.
“Hello kids!” Mrs. Hugh said cheerfully. The kids waved back sheepishly. “Grae, how are you feeling?” Mrs. Hugh asked as she grabbed Grae’s hands.
“Oh, I am fine!” Grae said nervously. Mrs. Hugh had an issue with “personal space” when it came to Grae.
“That is so good to hear! I know you must be tired with everything you do for us.” she said while stroking Grae’s hands.
“See?” Mimi said, making a face at Grae. “Thank you for telling her that. She needs to be reminded of how important she is to everyone here.”
“Mimi, she must give you constant heart attacks?” Mrs. Hugh said.
“Yes! I swear she thinks she is invincible!” Mimi said to Mrs. Hugh. The next few minutes were filled with Mimi and Mrs. Hugh chatting about reckless kids and noisy grandchildren.
Grae was lost in her train of thought again; she found herself thinking about the first time they stumbled onto this place. It was around this particular spot where Andrew spotted the Black Reaper.
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