Wyatt shook his head. “I'm fine. I don't think I could sleep. It feels weird not to be doing something productive in the middle of the day.”
Megan smiled. “I know what you mean. Let's close our eyes for a bit. Even a little rest will rejuvenate our bodies.”
Despite their best effort, they couldn't doze off. After waiting until nearly four, they decided it was safe enough to start moving again. The sun was slowly drifting to the other side of the trees, which allowed them to walk in the shade along the roadway.
JJ had been fussy the past hour. They were all used to it, but it was particularly worrisome when they weren't in the comfort of the lodge. Willow had fed, changed him and burped him before they left, but nothing was calming the little guy down. They all knew what would happen if JJ went into a crying fit. He’d struggle to breathe.
No one offered her words of advice on how to calm him down. They all knew she was doing everything she could. Their words would only add to her frustration. None of them could do any better. It was something they’d seen too many times, leaving them all on edge.
After another thirty minutes, JJ's cries slowed and he drifted off to sleep.
“You okay?” Megan asked, falling into step beside Willow.
Willow looked exhausted. “Yeah. I can't wait to get there and get this baby some help. I feel like I’m failing him. I should be able to settle him down and soothe whatever it is that ails him. I feel completely helpless.”
“Me too,” Megan echoed.
They walked for hours, walking through farmland that had long been abandoned. Hay fields were overgrown and what once used to be wheat farms were nothing more than weeds. An old barn in the distance reminded Megan of how different their world was now. If and when the power was restored, it’d take a lot of work to restore the farms and fields to the fertile ground they once were. There’d be high demand for big machinery to clear the fields. It was a sad sight to see, but if the box they were carrying was truly what Neil claimed, they’d play a key role in restoring this once great nation to its prior glory.
“I remember coming through this area before,” Megan said when they passed a sign announcing they had entered the small town of Union, population 884.
“If I remember right, they had a strawberry festival or something up here, right?” Wyatt asked.
Megan smiled in remembrance. “That's right. I brought Caitlin the summer before the EMP. We took advantage of the U-pick strawberry fields. I wonder if the strawberries are still growing. Rosie says it’s nearly impossible to kill strawberry plants because they’re so prolific.”
Wyatt shrugged. “I don't know. If they’re out there,” he said pointing to the vast fields. “They’re under all that thistle, which doesn’t look inviting.”
“But that does,” Bryan said, pointing to a large, old house at the edge of one of the fields. “That thing is definitely abandoned.”
“Willow and Megan, you two stay here while we go make sure it's empty,” Wyatt instructed.
They waited and watched as the men circled the house before cautiously going through the entrance that appeared to be missing the front door. After several long minutes, they emerged, waving Megan and Willow to come in.
“It's empty. It's been thoroughly picked through, but we can sleep on the top floor,” Wyatt said.
“Why the top floor?” Willow asked.
“Because if someone does happen to come along, we’ll have a good vantage point up there and most looters are going to hit the bottom floor first. We'll have time to stop them before they get to us. There is the one main staircase leading up to the area. We can guard that fairly easily,” he explained.
They climbed the narrow stairs of the house that had to be more than a hundred years old. Megan had always loved the charm of these old houses and was looking forward to staying the night.
“We’ll secure the perimeter, before it gets dark,” Wyatt said giving Megan a quick kiss.
“We'll get something made for dinner,” she replied.
Willow made a small bed for JJ. He was awake and appeared to be in a good mood. Megan knew not to take his good health for granted. JJ could go from happy and appearing healthy to screaming and fighting for his life in an instant. They’d all learned to be on their guard and ready to assist when needed.
“I’m going outside to build a stove so we can make a stew or something with those dried potatoes and veggies we packed,” Megan said. “Will you be okay in here?” she asked.
“Of course, I'll probably clean up a space up here so we can sleep and then we'll be out. It’s too stuffy in here. I'll open those windows to help cool it down before we come in for the night,” Willow replied, already getting to work tidying the area,
“Great, see you in a few,” she said.
Megan walked outside and looked around the area. The place had been looted, but she could see plenty of materials she could use to make a small rocket stove. An old coffee can was lying in a pile of garbage.
“Perfect!” she said aloud, ignoring the irony of getting so excited at finding an old tin can in a trash heap.
She left the can on the ground and ran inside the house to find Wyatt's bag. He’d left it at the bottom of the stairs. She rummaged through it and found the knife she was looking for.
With the knife in hand, she got busy jabbing the side of the can to make a hole. Once she poked through, she made a hole that was about the size of a soup can. Then, she used the knife to make a few holes around the top, open end of the can.
“What are you doing?” Willow asked, coming down the stairs, with JJ in her arms.
Megan smiled. “I saw this in one of those books on the shelves at home. It’s called a rocket stove. Well, a very crude rocket stove. I’m doing a single can method since I don't have wire cutters. It isn't going to be pretty, but I think it’ll be effective.”
She went back to making holes around the bottom of the can.
“There,” Megan declared holding up the can.
Willow raised an eyebrow. “I'm going to trust you know what you’re doing. All I see is a mutilated coffee can.”
Megan laughed. “This big hole is where we are going to put the twigs and grass to burn. The holes around the top and bottom are vents, I don't want the can getting hot and exploding. I saw a wire hanger in that pile. I will snap it in two, place it over the open top of the can and that will act as our burner.”
She was very proud of herself for her ingenuity and couldn't wait to show Wyatt. Placing the can on a flat rock, she turned to Willow. “I'm going to grab some fuel for our fire, and then we can get started heating up the water for our stew.”
Willow stared at the contraption. Megan looked at the can, understanding why Willow didn't look convinced the stove would work.
She collected a pile of twigs and dry grass, stuffing some in the opening and leaving the pile nearby to keep the fire going. Once she lit it, she placed the small pot they carried with them on top of the wire hangers. She poured a bottle of water into the pot and waited.
“Look!” she said pointing to the small bubbles forming on the bottom of the pan. “It's working!”
Willow giggled. “I must say I’m amazed. I wasn’t confident that stove would work. I shouldn't have doubted you.”
They got busy tossing in the dehydrated potatoes and dried veggies they’d packed. With only one pot, they’d only be able to make a couple servings at a time. The stove would require plenty of fuel to keep the fire burning, which Megan quickly gathered.
When she’d collected a nice pile of twigs and dried grass, she sat down on the tattered blanket Willow had brought out. With the sun setting, the temperature had dropped significantly. It was very peaceful. In the distance, she could hear the men talking and joking. She leaned back on her elbows, stretched out her legs and soaked in the country air. She liked this place and could imagine working the fields. The house was beautiful. She drifted off in a daydream, imagining her, Caitlin and Wyatt making th
is place home.
“They seem to have become very close,” Willow remarked, startling Megan out of her daydream.
“Yeah, Wyatt was a little leery of them for a while, but after…” she stopped before saying the words. It’d been after Jack's death and all that they’d gone through that made Wyatt realize how much he could depend on them.
“It's okay, you can talk about it,” Willow said softly.
“I'm sorry, I know it’s still difficult for you, for all of us,” Megan told her.
“I think I’m moving past it. I like to talk about Jack and the time we had together. I miss him dearly, but thinking about those memories, helps keep him close. Rosie has been regaling me with stories about Jack and Wyatt from when they were boys. Boy, those two sure kept her on her toes!” Willow said, letting out a long whistle.
“Really? What did they do? He doesn't talk much about his childhood,” Megan said, a little sad Wyatt hadn't shared with her.
Willow looked out at the landscape, lost in thought. “Rosie says Wyatt was the instigator. Always talking Jack into doing these crazy stunts. One time, he actually convinced Jack they could fly off the house, using cut up sheets as parachutes.”
“No!” Megan said in shock. Wyatt was certainly not that careless nowadays. He never did anything without thinking of the consequences first.
Willow nodded. “Yep, she said it was usually Wyatt's crazy ideas that got them into trouble and Jack was the thinker. He was the one who had to come up with ways to get them out of trouble.”
Megan laughed. “That sounds right. Jack was always the quiet voice of reason.”
“I wish he was here,” Willow said, choking back a sob. “He’d know what to do and how to ensure JJ was taken care of.”
Megan stayed silent. She knew Willow felt the burden of caring for an ill child. They were all there, ready to help and offering her support, but it wasn't the same as a husband.
“I wish he was here, too,” Megan whispered.
The mood shifted when JJ gurgled and pulled at Willow's cheek.
“He's in a good mood,” Megan commented.
Wyatt, Evan and Bryan began walking towards them. “I think we’re good for the night,” Wyatt said.
He plopped down next to Willow and started making silly faces at JJ. Megan's heart filled with joy watching the scene. Willow handed JJ to Wyatt so she could help Megan fill up a few of the plastic bowls they’d brought along.
Once the second serving had been doled out, they all kicked back to enjoy the twilight.
“It's truly beautiful out here,” Megan said, snuggling into Wyatt's side. He put his arm around her, pulling her in close.
“Look!” Bryan shouted. “He smiled at me! The little bugger actually smiled!”
“What?” Willow exclaimed. “He’s too young to smile, maybe it’s gas,” she giggled.
Evan and Wyatt crowded around behind Bryan as he made goofy faces, trying to pull another smile from JJ. Wyatt’s big grin finally elicited some adorable baby coos and gurgling. Suddenly, JJ farted followed by more happy baby noises. It took a moment but then the guys were quickly scrambling to their feet covering their noses.
“Oh.”
“My.”
“God.”
“How?”
“He’s so small.”
“That smell!”
Megan and Willow erupted into laughter as Willow swooped in to scoop him up. “Well, time for this one to get his diaper changed. Any of you big babies want to help?” she asked looking at the guys. All three quickly threw up their hands in surrender before backing away from the toxic fumes.
“I’ll help,” Megan offered. She swiped at the tears from laughing. Even in this post-apocalyptic world, a baby’s bodily functions had the power to send grown men scrambling in horror.
15
“Wyatt?” Megan whispered into the dark room. They’d all fallen asleep shortly after their meal last night, with the intention of heading out as soon as dawn broke.
“Hm,” he grunted.
“It's time to get up,” she said in a whisper again.
“Don't you think you should try to wake the others? Why are you whispering,” he said in an irritable tone.
She smiled in the dark. He tended to be a little grumpy when she woke him before the sun showed up for the day.
“I'm up,” groaned Bryan.
A thud and Evan's grunt signaled Bryan's very smooth way of waking his friend.
“I'm ready,” Willow said in a clear voice.
“You're up already?” Megan asked.
“JJ woke up about thirty minutes ago. I fed him and he’s ready for a nice long nap. We’re ready when you guys are.”
That got everyone motivated. They wanted to take full advantage of JJ sleeping. It made the walk easier on the baby as well as the rest of them. It only took a few minutes to pack up.
Wyatt was studying the map as they plodded along the dirt road that’d lead them to the next town.
“Hey,” he started. “We’re only about three days from Ravena. That detour didn't cost us the extra day like we thought it would. We're in really good shape.”
That was all the encouragement they needed to pick up the pace. The morning air was cool and they’d managed to collect some water from the well at the house. The hand pump had been stiff from lack of use, but they each took turns pumping the handle to prime it. The water would still need to be boiled, but it was water and that was a big deal.
Megan felt real hope for the first time since they’d realized JJ wasn't healthy. They were halfway to the hospital and hopefully a cure for Jack's son. Her goal of fulfilling her responsibility to Jack was within reach. They could do this and she’d finally be able to forgive herself for all the pain and suffering she’d inadvertently caused.
“It's actually cold out,” Bryan complained as they filed out of the house and into the dark.
“It’ll be hot soon enough,” Wyatt replied. “We'll be able to make good time if we aren't miserable from the heat. Stay close together. There could be wildlife out and about, getting their breakfast.”
Megan's eyes darted around. Not being able to see more than a few feet in front of her made for a spooky feeling as if they were being watched from the shadows. Whether the eyes she felt on her were human or some kind of wild beast, she didn't know. Judging by the fast pace they were keeping, they all felt a little edgy.
They kept quiet as they walked, focusing on their surroundings. As the sun rose, the birds started becoming more active.
“How can you tell the difference between the real birds and those calls we heard?” Willow asked.
“The bird calls they were using were from a bird that isn't native to the area. The birds I’m hearing now sound very natural. The sound isn't rehearsed or repetitive like it was when they were doing it. Plus, if you listen close enough, you can tell the sound is coming from above,” Megan explained.
Willow was silent for a few moments, listening to the birds. “I can't tell anything. I'll rely on you,” she said with a smile.
“I will definitely let you know. We didn't see or hear from those guys again, so I think we’re clear of them. For now, enjoy the bird song,” Megan told her, hoping to keep her calm.
As they walked on, covering the miles at a quick pace, the day got warmer and the scenery changed. The journey towards Ravena soon took a very different look. They’d been walking through small towns and wide expanses of farmland. The mountains they called home were getting farther away. They weren't surrounded by pine trees any longer. The trees were sporadic. In their place were tall weeds.
There was an odor in the air that Megan couldn't quite pinpoint.
“What is that?” she asked finally after wracking her brain and coming up with nothing.
“What is what?” Wyatt asked, looking around.
She smiled. “The smell. Tell me you can smell that?” she said, squishing up her nose.
He inhaled deeply before coughing.
“I’d say it smells like fire, death and rot all mixed into one nasty, volatile odor.”
“Why is it clinging to this area so bad?” Willow asked.
Evan volunteered an explanation. “More people crammed into a single area are going to make it harder for the smells to dissipate plus I’m guessing they haven’t been particularly choosy with their toilet habits. As you can see, there’s almost no trees. The trees help clean the air.”
Megan grimaced; she couldn't imagine living in this area. Anyone who did would probably grow used to the smell, but it felt dirty. Knowing there was human waste exposed along with the trash made her feel like taking a bath in bleach.
“People probably get sick a lot,” Willow said after a few minutes. “If they aren't keeping the area clean, there’s going to be a lot of flies, especially in this heat. Flies, maggots, dead animals,” she shuddered. “Gross!”
“That’d explain the death smell,” Bryan said. “They’re sick and dying because they aren't following basic sanitation. I’m so glad Rosie is a clean freak. I now understand why she’s always wiping down everything with those essential oils.”
Megan agreed. Their lives would be very different if they didn't have an outhouse that was kept clean and moved when the hole was full. Their trash, when they had any, was usually turned into compost. What they couldn't compost or burn, they buried in a deep hole. She was very proud of how clean the lodge had been kept.
“Hey, look at this,” Bryan stopped, pulling up a tall weed.
Megan looked at the weed and realized it was wild asparagus. “Awesome, asparagus! That will make for a nice lunch or dinner. Is there any more?”
Willow looked skeptical. “Are you sure that’s really asparagus? Doesn't that seem too easy? I mean, people back home used to grow that in their gardens and you mean to say it grows wild?”
Megan nodded her head. “Yes, it’s a different kind, but tastes like what we used to buy at the store.
Bryan showed the asparagus to Willow, pointing out the stalk that made it easily identifiable. “Look for this tall weed and then let your eyes travel down. You'll see the stalk. You can pull it all the way out or we could use a knife and chop it at the base so the roots can generate a new stalk.”
EMP Lodge Series Box Set | Books 1-6 Page 88
