Day 38
Darlene carried as much as she could, but knew in her condition she’d pay for it later today. She grimaced as another bag was tossed over her shoulder and her sides felt like they’d split in half.
Pheebz was staring at her and opened her mouth but Darlene groaned. “I’m fine. I’ll keep up. Promise. If I don’t, feel free to carry me.”
The group had picked up everything they could from the camp, leaving only some footprints and where the fire pits had been.
“I need two to stay behind, bury the pits, and clear our tracks as we move from the area,” Phil said. Darlene thought it was a good idea. Even though they knew they didn’t have much time before nuclear fallout could potentially get blown in their direction, they still needed to watch their backs.
The Sawyers might not know of the bigger danger, still trying to control the area and steal everything not bolted down. What they’re doing is so petty in the grand scheme of things, Darlene thought. Even if they know what’s happening, though, they seemed like the kind of inbreds that would think they were immune to any of it, only after their own selfish path.
“We’ll be on foot, at least for the start of this journey,” Herbert said. He was also staring at Darlene. “Are you going to be able to keep up?”
Darlene laughed. “I think I can keep up with an old man with two bad knees, Herbert. The real question: can you keep up with me?”
“I’ll manage.” Herbert reached for one of the bags Darlene was holding but she pulled away. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
“If I need it I will. Promise.” Darlene knew he was trying to help, but she needed to do this on her own terms. She didn’t want to be weak. Never again. She was still mad she’d been deceived by Tee and he’d gotten the best of her. She hoped he was still alive so she could kill him.
Would you kill him? Hell yes, Darlene thought.
Instead of fighting off the hatred, she let it consume her. She bathed in it, let the wounds feel the pain again as she pushed herself to keep up with the group. Each step that jolted her ribs was pleasure, knowing someday Tee was going to pay for each motion. The man deserved not only to die, but die a painful death.
She wondered what her father would think of her morbid thoughts. He’d be ashamed. He’d give her words of wisdom. Let Darlene know what she was thinking and how it would destroy her. Dark thoughts led you down a dark path.
Only…Darlene didn’t care. She had a goal in mind now. While she wanted to hurt all of the Sawyer clan, she had a special part of her anger for Tee. He was going to pay for all of the hurt. All of the pain.
She found herself praying to God he was still alive, and they’d meet in the near future.
What then? You’re like the Punisher, Darlene thought. Once you finish your goal of killing Tee, what will you feel? Vindication? Hardly. More than likely you’ll feel as awful and hollow as he was before you crushed him under your thumb like a grape.
“What are you thinking about?” Terri asked, coming up beside Darlene. “Is it a man?”
“Huh?” Darlene laughed. “I guess so, but not how you think. I have revenge on my mind. It keeps me motivated. Keeping me going today, too.” Her arms and back were screaming in protest and they’d only just begun to walk.
“What do you think of Phil?” Terri asked, but didn’t wait for an answer. “He’s really cute. Nice to me, too. Back in the day he was always a gentleman. He’s never been the take charge guy. This is exciting to see him step up and lead us. Maybe, someday, I’ll be his wife, and I’ll get to be up front with him leading us to safety. That would be neat.”
“He seems nice,” Darlene said. Not that Terri was listening. The woman was staring ahead with a grin, trying to see Phil through everyone.
“Phil is a little touched in the head, as mama would say,” Terri laughed. “Which works out fine, because so am I.”
Darlene felt like she should protest or say something positive, but nothing came to mind. Terri was a bit out there, and in the limited time she’d been around the woman it had only gotten worse.
“Don’t try to argue the point,” Terri said. “I know I’m special. That was another word mama used to talk about me. I danced to the beat of my own drum. Someday I’d do God’s work, in my own weird way. She had all kinds of sayings about me.”
“I’m sure she misses you very much,” Darlene said.
Terri shook her head. “She’s dead. So is papa.”
“No. Don’t say that.”
Terri shrugged. “But it’s true. They came to me in a dream last night. Told me to stay close to Phil and he’d protect me. They’re gone now, killed trying to drive home from Florida. She said they died quickly in a crash on Route 10. Now they’re gone to Heaven.”
Darlene nodded slowly and kept walking. There was really nothing to add to this conversation. It was uncomfortable. Darlene kept putting one foot in front of the other.
“Are your parents dead?” Terri asked.
Darlene tried to smile and failed. “My mother died years ago. My father raised me. Born and raised in Maine. Big family. The reason I’m on this coast was because he passed away and I couldn’t deal with it. So I got in my car and drove west, looking for something.”
“Did you find it?”
Darlene thought about it. “I’m not sure. Maybe.”
For whatever reason, she thought of John Murphy and wished she hadn’t. The guy was a jerk. He was rude. Selfish.
He was cute, too.
“God put you here for a reason. Maybe to help Herbert and Pheebz. Maybe the boys. Maybe yourself.” Terri started walking faster. “I’m gonna catch up with Phil and see what the plan is. I’ll check back with you later. When I’m his wife I’ll need to make sure everyone is checked on all the time.”
Darlene waved at Terri, but she was already jogging ahead, through the throng of people.
They weren’t going to get far on foot, and she didn’t think all of them would be able to walk for miles and miles.
Darlene adjusted the gear she was carrying and sighed. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to make it, either.