Absent: The Dead Zone Book One by Amanda Andrews

Author:Amanda Andrews [Andrews, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-04T04:00:00+00:00

After lunch, the children went into the living room to play, while Noa and Annie began to clean. I helped Noa begin to collect dishes, as Annie washed then package the leftovers into containers that went into the fridge. I noted there wasn’t much in the fridge, and I felt a pang in my heart. In this village there was more than just survival among the zoms.

“What made you come visit the farm today?” Annie asked after a while, once the dishes were done and Noa was drying them off and putting them away.

I sighed, “I got paid from Alana today–she said it was enough to move out of Cam and Jax’s place and live on my own among the soldiers.”

“And you’re not ready to leave Cam and Jax?”

I bit my lip.

She was right, I didn’t know what I really wanted but right now I didn’t want to leave the two. It was just, it was so warm and loving there. Even with Jax. I felt so perfect there, like I belonged, and I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want an excuse to leave that beautiful comfort.

“So don’t leave,” Noa said almost confused.

Annie shot him a look, “It’s not that simple.”

“An’ why not? If y’all don’t want to leave, then don’t. And if Jax disagrees then give that man a proper ass beatin’ and you could. I’ve seen you whoop zom I know you can kick any ass,” Noa retorted.

I laughed at that; Annie sighed, grabbing my hands in hers. Her grey eyes burned with determination.

“If you ever do find yourself leaving, know you’re always welcome here. You have done more than enough around here, and the children love you,” Annie told me.

A lump was forming in my throat, and my eyes felt dusty. I meekly nodded full of happiness. It was in that moment that I realized a solution to my problems. I pulled the sack of coins out of my pocket and placed it on the table.

“What you up to?” Noa asked suspiciously.

I slid it over to Annie, and she let go of me with shocked, wide eyes. “That’s all my earnings since I got here. A good month and a few jobs worth. I want you to have it–to help the farm, and the kids.”

“Naw, we can’t accept that!” Noa gasped.

“Then accept it and do me a favor. I don’t want to move out, so if I don’t have the funds to do so then they have to keep me right?”

“Are you sure?” Annie asked hesitantly.

I nodded, my heart lifting and I felt entirely relieved. It felt great to help the farm and solve my housing issue. I smirked; a terrible smugness gnawed at my relief entirely. They wouldn’t get rid of me anytime soon.

I was home and no one would take that away from me.

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