The Leftovers of a Life by Anna Oney

Author:Anna Oney [Oney, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Palmetto Publishing Group
Published: 2017-04-01T22:00:00+00:00

***

With the stars glimmering through the trees above, Emma's conscience didn't feel as heavy as it had before. At least she had accomplished one goal: to show kindness where it was needed. Glancing toward Oliver and his full belly resting peacefully in his mother's arms, Emma thought, Maybe I'm not damned after all.

Since the boy had fallen asleep, Stella seemed to believe she was purposely being ignored, so she came to rest by Emma instead. Finished with their meals, Danisha and Tempest decided to join Oliver in his slumber at the opposite side of the pine tree that Emma leaned against. Nell, on the other hand, stayed busy staring into the flames.

"You okay?"

"I don't think we're going to make it to Marshall."

"Why are you headed there?"

"To see if it's different. Maybe my parents are still alive. Jefferson didn't last long. People started turning on one another."

"It's like that everywhere, you know," she said, straightening up. "We've always looked for ways to kill each other. This new world has only escalated our troubles into something we can't seem to handle. The hurt's always gonna be there, no matter where you go."

"You think I don't know that? I had to get my family out of there, and why not try for my parents, huh? Why not?"

"You're good people. I know that."

"Being good hasn't gotten us anywhere."

"The person you are got you here today. Every move you make, everything that happens to us, happens for a reason. I was placed in your path just as you were placed in mine. Helping you has helped me," she said, nodding toward his sound-asleep family. "I can help you."

"I can't give you anything. I have nothing," he said, struggling to hold back the tears. "Why would you take on a hopeless case like us?"

"Because you're not, and I know a place where there's food. There's a house where y'all can hole up until I come back to fetch you. But that would mean calling off your big-city trip. Being reunited with your parents, to be honest, probably wouldn't happen anyways."

"That trip was as ill-fated as they come. Grasping at straws was all that was. But you're nice enough. I don't believe you mean to hurt us. If you do, then you deserve an Academy Award."

"The house is about a day's walk from here—a straight shot. It's a two-story, white house with redbrick underpinning. If you're not sure it's the right one, it'll have a screened-in back porch. Look for it on the left-hand side. Entrance to the cellar is in the kitchen, you can't miss it."

"I'm thankful. Thank you. When do you think you'll be coming back?"

"Two days or so, maybe even three. Hoping it won't take me that long, but you never know."

There was something about the rays emanating from the full moon. It turned the green and brown environment into a grayish aqua-blue. The woods were illuminated enough for Emma to cover some ground, and she had the sudden desire to keep moving and rest later.

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