Darkness Ahead of Us | Book 3 | Darkness Lifting by Spencer Leif

Author:Spencer, Leif [Spencer, Leif]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Post-Apocalyptic | EMP | Survival
Published: 2021-07-06T22:00:00+00:00

10

An awkward tension had settled over the living room. Chris stood behind the sofa, one hand squeezing Tom’s shoulder for support, and focused as Sue introduced everyone, fervently trying to memorise their names.

“These are Rose and her husband Graham. You’ll be staying with them.”

Overwhelmed, Chris gritted her teeth against a wave of light-headedness. She’d made an impression by fixing Bob’s shoulder, but Anna…Anna would be watching her every move.

“Mum?”

“I’m fine.” Chris turned her attention to the couple standing next to her. Graham was studying her with narrowed eyes, his grey hair cropped short. Rose stood a step behind her husband, one hand on the small of his back. Black curls framed her round face, greying at the front. “Pleased to meet you,” Chris said.

Graham didn’t look pleased, but he forced himself to smile.

“Thank you for taking us in,” Tom said.

Chris let go of his shoulder. They should be thanking her, she thought, only to remember that she needed them more than she liked to admit. She swallowed her bitter comment.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Rose stuck out her hand.

“Thank you.” Chris shook Rose’s hand. “This is my son, Tom.”

Tom had settled on the sofa and was absentmindedly stroking Oreo while listening to the introductions being made around him. He looked up at her, a small smile playing on his lips, and Chris allowed herself to hope.

Don’t fool yourself. You’re not welcome here. This time it was her own voice chiding her, but Chris chose to ignore it. She could do this. Seeing the relief on Tom’s face was worth facing Anna and Sarah’s scrutiny.

I can do this.

Looking up, she noticed that everyone was staring at her. She cleared her throat and wrapped her arms around herself, her gaze darting to Tom for help.

She wanted to yell, I’m not dangerous! I promise. But that would only make matters worse.

Finally, Sue broke the silence. “We’re so grateful you’re here.” She took off her glasses and started cleaning them. “I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but we’re a friendly bunch. We’re just…”

“Cautious?” Chris shrugged. “I get it. I would be, too.”

“Right.” Sue put her glasses back on. “Dinner is in an hour. We usually eat in the garden.”

“I’ll show you to the guest room.” Rose gestured for Chris to follow her. “Our house is down the road.”

Tom gave Oreo a final pat and got to his feet, shouldering his backpack. Chris bent over to pick up hers, but he shook his head at her. “I’ll get yours later.”

Once outside in the warm afternoon sun, they walked along a cobbled path that led them through the makeshift gate in the hedge and past a bungalow. Chris slowed, but Rose gestured for her to keep going. “That’s Luke’s house. Anna and Sarah are staying with him.”

They continued along the path until Rose paused in front of a large house. Unlocking the door, she gestured for Chris and Tom to enter.

“Where are you from?” Rose asked.

“Harlow.”

“Did you walk all this way?”

Tom nodded. “We stayed in Hatfield Forest for a few weeks.

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