***
When we finished, I had new warmth in my heart. I could feel love for my group and for Sophie, which was a miracle in itself. I stood back as Sophie walked toward the table where everyone was gathered, tending to Claire. I leaned against the doorway, watching the scene play out in front of me.
Claire was sitting on Nick’s lap. He held her tight against him and was trying to comfort her while she cried as Henry was picking chunks of glass out of her hand. Nate was readying a needle and thread. Sophie grabbed a cloth from the kitchen and started to wipe Claire’s tears away.
It was a brilliant sight. We all had our differences, but we had come together in a time of need. I came to the realization that they were my family. We had only been together for a short period of time, but I now felt connected to everyone in one way or another.
Henry looked back and saw me just standing there. His loving gaze broke me out of my thoughts. I walked up to the table. “Is there any way I can help?” I said, feeling a little overwhelmed.
“I think we’ve got it, love.” His smile was welcoming. “Maybe you could try to fix us some food? I’m pretty hungry.”
I felt warm from the thought of taking care of my new family. Maybe that was how it was supposed to be.
Chapter 8
O
ver the next couple of weeks, we cleared Henry’s building and only found two other survivors. Neither wanted anything to do with our group. Henry said they were scared, and didn’t trust us. He also said it was no big fucking deal because we didn’t need anyone else tagging along with us, anyway.
The nights were getting chilly. Fall had settled in for the long haul, and winter was knocking on the front door. I felt anxiety rushing through me over the nighttime hours. Every new day was another horrific, murderous drama, and I didn’t want to partake in it. None of us did.
Henry, Nick, and Nate were trying to figure out a new way to secure the front window that broke when Sophie tossed that grenade into a small herd of undeads. I did nothing but sit and stare at their efforts.
Sophie was cleaning some weapons, and Claire was quietly placing candles around the apartment so we could see in the nighttime hours. She was still lost in her thoughts, but I knew she would come around soon. She was the strongest person I knew.
I was feeling tired after another physically and emotionally exhausting day so I decided to retire for the night. I grabbed two candles out of the kitchen and brought them with me. I clicked the door closed, trying to be quiet. I stripped out of my borrowed clothes, and found another t-shirt to wear to bed.
The no panties thing was really starting to get to me. I rummaged through Henry’s drawers and found a pair of gym shorts with a drawstring. I decided that I would have to find some clothes that fit soon. There was a light knock on the door. I pulled on the shorts and opened it. Henry slipped in without a sound.
“Hey.” It was my old Henry again. His graying eyes looked hollow in the candlelight.
“Hi.” My voice was quiet and you could still feel the tension between us. It rattled me to the core. We weren’t the same as before our wedding day, and it broke my heart.
“I was coming to check on you to make sure you’re doing alright.” He reached out and touched my arm. Goose bumps sprang up all over my body. I don’t know if it was his cool hand, or if I was missing his romantic touch. “How are you doing, my love?” I laughed to myself. How was I doing?
“Pretty fucking dandy. How about yourself?”
“Ah…there she is. That’s my girl.” He smiled. “Not quite as fantastic as you look, I must say.” I laughed again.
“Really, Henry? I look fantastic? Wow. I didn’t know a free ‘blood donor’ t-shirt and a pair of too big gym shorts made me look this fantastic.” I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.
“You look more than fantastic. Absolutely sexy, if you want to know the truth.” I shook my head. I wasn’t thrilled. I looked down at my borrowed clothes and sighed.
I wasn’t prissy in any way, but there is just something about wearing clothes that fit. And I could have used a few pairs of panties. I’d even settle for some granny panties. It’s amazing what I took for granted before, but never again.
He grabbed both my arms and made me look into his eyes. Those eyes looked so sad and full of anger. I knew it was his past hanging over his head like a fucking stout, black cloud. “Look, tomorrow we will try to get you and Claire some stuff to wear. I’m running out of stuff myself with everybody borrowing.”
“Okay,” I said with a quiet sigh. He pulled me close to him and held me. He was humming a song that I didn’t recognize. He began slow dancing with me, holding me close and tight to his body. My voice was soft when I said, “Henry?”