The Hunger Between Us by Marina Scott

Author:Marina Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

14

When we return to the camp, Galina pulls Luka aside. Boria is nearby, his hands in his pockets. He’s wearing a thick wool jumper in a dull green color. A new wooden stick hangs in the corner of his mouth. His face is ashen, but he looks better than he did last night. Galina shoots a few quick glances my way when she speaks, and I’m sure they’re discussing me again. My ration cards. I linger, waiting for them to call me over, but they don’t.

I might as well go back to the tent.

Katya’s lying in the same position we left her a couple of hours ago. I touch her forehead. Her skin’s so hot under my fingers, the heat radiating off her warms up the tent. Her breath is more labored, as if something is stuck in her lungs.

My presence wakes her.

“Liza … You’re here…” Her voice comes out in a throaty whisper.

I can barely hear her, so I lean in closer. “Sorry I woke you. I didn’t mean to.”

“You didn’t. I’ve been awake for a while, waiting for you to return.” Her eyes open a little wider, and the smile that spreads on her dry lips cracks me open. “Did he show it to you?”

I nod, unable for some reason to form the words.

“It’s beautiful,” she says. “I wish I could go with you. It’s been a long time since I saw the sunrise through the ceiling on that platform.” She puts out her hand and touches my upper arm, as if making sure I’m listening to her. “He really likes you.” Her eyes catch mine. “Do you like Luka?”

I nod again, remembering Luka’s hands on my face, his breath on my skin, his lips on mine. “I like him.”

“Good. I don’t want him to be alone,” she whispers.

I want to lean forward, cup her face, and tell her Luka won’t be alone. I want to promise her we’ll take her to see the sky soon. Instead, I swallow, and something hot and liquid trails down my cheek.

“Please don’t cry, Liza,” Katya says, and her hand brushes gently over my face, burning my skin. “I’m not dead yet.”

I reach out, take her small hand, and squeeze it gently. The words are stuck in my throat.

“I’m not crying.” My voice cracks. “I have something for you.” I pull out the piece of bread from my pocket. “Here, eat this.”

I put the bread to her lips.

Her eyes fly open, and she takes the bread from my hand. “Khleb?” Her voice is small and weak and full of wonder.

She chews with difficulty. When the bread is gone, Katya closes her eyes. “Will you stay with me?” A shallow breath. “I think I’m falling asleep again.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me.

She takes another breath. “I’m so tired,” she says, and falls into a slumber that might be sleep. Might be something entirely worse.

You just wasted a piece of bread on a dead girl.

I shut the door on my mother’s angry face and stay and watch Katya for a while.

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