“Instead of worrying about Brooke, we should focus on what’s important,” Wayne said. “Either of you up for helping me cut some wood?”
“More heat sounds amazing,” Abi said. “Greyly was shivering in her sleep last night.”
There were no concerned or sympathetic looks to that comment, and I quickly ducked my head to hide mine. It wasn’t right that a little girl, no more than four, was underfed and cold.
“I’ll go to the shed and get another blanket for her,” I said.
Abi shook her head.
“Danielle and I went yesterday. Everyone’s having the same problem and had the same idea. There weren’t any extra blankets left. Matt said he would ask Ryan to keep his eyes open for more when they go out for today’s supply run.”
My heart ached as I glanced at Greyly, who was shoveling in her oatmeal, and old resentments resurfaced. I was still bitter at Wayne for getting a vasectomy, even when I’d begged him not to. It didn’t matter that the world had gone to shit and had ripped so many families apart. I’d wanted kids of my own, and it festered that we would never have that chance now.
“Then, I’ll need to wait in line for whatever tonight’s supply run brings in.”
Abi gave me a grateful smile as her cousin, Danielle, joined us. The woman’s hair was still wet, and I envied her that today was her shower day. By limiting hot water use, the propane tank out back would hopefully last until Matt and Mya came up with a refill plan. It was a smart strategy. I just wished we were one of the houses with the big enough solar panel system to heat our water too. Cool water sponge baths just weren’t the same as an actual shower.
As soon as everyone finished, they piled their dishes in the sink for Grandma to wash and got ready to do their part.
We all had our roles. I cooked and traded supplies. Grandma washed dishes and clothes and kept the common areas of the house tidy. Abi and Danielle went out and socialized, gathering information about who needed what, so I knew what to trade. No one had any idea what Bram and Bobby did on the days they weren’t out on a supply run, which was Wayne’s major source of contention. Why should they get days off when the rest of us couldn’t?
I didn’t share his attitude. The thought of leaving the protection of the wall terrified me, and I couldn’t imagine what it took for Bram and Bobby to leave once a week.
While I went downstairs and took inventory, I listened to Abi, Danielle, and Greyly leave. The house grew quieter as I sorted through a tote of baby clothes. Most people made do with what they could find. But it was common knowledge that a few of the women from Tolerance were pregnant. If that girl Emily came around, maybe I could trade some—
“Hurry up, Terri,” Wayne called from upstairs, making me jump.
I took the small pile of onesies and sleepers upstairs, where he paced in the kitchen.
“Baby clothes? Is this town filled with idiots? A baby is the last thing we need. Can you imagine what their crying will attract?”
“Since one of them is close to giving birth, I’m pretty sure the apocalypse didn’t play into their decision making,” Grandma said dryly before looking at me. “It’s a smart idea, Terri. You saw a potential need for what we have, and I hope you’re able to make a decent trade for it.”
“She wouldn’t need to if your grandson pulled more supply runs.”
“Wayne,” I said with soft warning.
Ignoring me, Grandma turned away from the sink to face Wayne
“If you’re not happy about how often he’s going out, talk to him. Don’t wait until he’s gone to complain about it.”
Wayne’s face grew red, and he opened his mouth, likely to yell, but was cut short by the door opening.
My heart seized when Brooke walked in with a giant fey trailing behind her. His reptilian eyes scanned the room, lingering on each of us before his lips tilted in a predatorial smile.
I shivered.
“If you’re here looking for breakfast, you know the rules.”
“No, thanks, Wayne. I found something more satisfying.” She took the fey’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I’m just here for my underwear unless you want to tell me I have to give up my rights to those too.”
Wayne made a disgusted sound.
“No one would want your underwear.” Shaking his head, he walked past them and out the door.
Brooke looked at me.
“I don’t know how you put up with him. He’s a real asshole sometimes.”