Mason looked at Emalee, who nodded.
“We’ll stay.”
“I’m no longer going to force people to do jobs they don’t want to do. Everyone will get a turn to do the best and the worst jobs. That includes volunteering to go out and put yourselves in danger with the zombies. I’ll be taking turns with everything just like you.” Devon smiled when everyone cheered.
“I think I can help with the scouting for food part,” Parker said and nodded to Emalee. “We know about a warehouse full of food. We just need to chase away the zombies.”
Another cheer from the crowd.
“As soon as it is light enough, we’ll go. I need ten volunteers,” Devon said and clapped when nearly every hand went up.
Later, as Mason and Emalee were given proper quarters next to one another and fresh sheets and pillows, they stood in the hallway and hugged.
“This is going to work out for us,” Emalee said.
“We’ll be safe. The other kids will become our new family.” Mason was grinning. “I think Rihanna actually likes me for me.”
“She does but I’m still going to get in her way,” Emalee said.
“Why would you do that?”
Emalee smiled. “That’s what little sisters are for. Duh.”
Mason hugged her sister again. “I’m going to find something to eat. You coming?”
“I’ll catch up with you in a bit. I need a second to myself,” Emalee said and held back the tears until she was sure Mason was gone and she was alone.
She looked out the window into the courtyard and saw everyone having a great time.
Emalee and Mason had come a long way. They’d been hurt and scared, frightened and alone. Hungry and sad.
Now they were safe and with friends.
Emalee turned to wipe a tear from her cheek. She was so happy.
She was surprised to see Henny, her ghost friend, standing patiently off to the side.
Emalee waved at her.
“Do you want to play?” Henny asked.
“Yes,” Emalee and Reading answered at the same time.
Emlee turned to Reading, who was standing in the doorway.
“I’m really sorry for everything I’ve said and done to you and your brother,” Reading said. “I’ve been a real jerk. Please accept my apology.”
Emalee smiled at nodded. “You already apologized.”
“I wanted to say it without my annoying brother hovering over me. He can be so annoying at times.”
“Tell me about it. I have Mason to watch over,” Emalee said. They both laughed.
“Now that I’ve finally gotten both of my playmates together as friends I think it’s time to have some fun,” Henny said and led the pair off on another adventure.
Armand Rosamilia is a New Jersey boy currently living in sunny Florida, where he writes when he's not sleeping.
He's written over 100 stories that are currently available, including a few different series.
He also loves to talk in third person... because he's really that cool.
You can find him at http://armandrosamilia.com for not only his latest releases but interviews and guest posts with other authors he likes!
And e-mail him to talk about zombies, baseball and Metal:
[email protected]
Dying Days (Novella): Family Ties Page 12
