Free The No Where Apocalypse (Book 2): Surviving No Where by E.A. Lake Page B

my property. I wanted to keep the boy away from my pump and fresh drinking water supply. I really had no idea how that all worked, groundwater and all.
    Lit by the afternoon sun the spot was idyllic, except for the flies. Once in the ground, most of the black bastards attacked the decomposing body and left me alone to fill in the hole.
    I looked up, midway, at Daisy. Her expression was that of relief more than sadness. Not a single tear streaked her dirt stained face, not a sniffle from her small delicate nose.  
    “He would have been six in early fall,” she stated, sounding shallow. Almost as if she didn’t want to care anymore. “He was always sick, ever since birth. When the fever got him last winter, I thought he was dead then.” She looked at me and shrugged. “The last months haven’t been good, but I still see them as a blessing.”
    Watching her approach the covered grave, I leaned on the hickory shovel handle. How would I have handled this, I wondered. She was strong, stronger than I was. Emotion nipped at her voice, but her face and stance was that of a survivor.
    She laid a small bouquet of daisies on the dirt. They were plentiful along the road, and about the only blooming flower to be had. Kissing her fingers, she placed them near the flowers.
    “Sleep well, my little prince,” she whispered, “your battle is over.”
    When she rose, I wiped away the tears I shed. Perhaps her toughness, grown by being alone with two children, made her stronger. Apparently, I wasn’t strong enough.  
    “I’m sorry.” It was probably the lamest set of words I could offer the young mother, but nothing else came to mind.
    Nodding, she sighed. “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”
    I don’t know what happened. I’m not sure if it was me or her. Something I did, some small motion, tip of the head, tightening of lips. Or maybe she just wanted it, needed it. Whatever the cause, I opened my arms as she approached and wrapped them around her.
    Yes, she stunk of fish. Yes, I stunk of months without bathing. But in that moment, it didn’t matter. Not one bit.
    She squeezed tight, as if she were holding to an anchor and dared not let go. I wasn’t letting go either.
    My arms wrapped around the diminutive adult with ease. I knew when I first saw her on the road that Daisy was petite. But this was different.
    The top of her head didn’t make it to my chin. I should have known that, she was inches taller than a nine-year-old. Her body had nothing to it. It seemed so cliché to me, but Daisy Vaughn was not mere skin and bones…she was skin and bones.
    Her hair felt like ripened straw, had the same color as well. I figured the texture was either natural or the result of months — maybe years — at a fish camp. It didn’t matter though; she was perfect.
    When our embrace ended, she took my hand and we walked in silence back to the front of the cabin. Inside I could hear Nate playing a game with Libby. I could tell from the little girl’s squeals that she was having fun. I knew Nate was dying to do anything with anyone. As long as it was fun, he’d have a good time as well.
    We took our spots on the bench. I noticed Daisy’s grin as she handed something to me. My God, she had the face of an angel. No — she was angel.
    “Thought you might want this,” she laughed, handing me my Glock.
    I’m sure I blushed, for more than one reason. But did I ever feel alive.
    “Would you mind terribly if I asked a favor of you?” Daisy’s eyes looked into my soul with her question.
    I softened my expression to somewhere between a smile and a grin. I’m sure I looked tremendously stupid in her beautiful eyes.
    “Sure, what do you need?” I replied.
    “Could Libby and I spend the night here?” she requested in the sweet tone. “I’m not sure I can walk any further today.”
    I nodded, probably like a bobblehead of some sort. “Yes, that would be fine. Stay as long as you need.”
    She replied with a smile that made me