Part 100: The Shortest Day

The night had come quicker than anybody had realized. No one did much of anything or said much of anything the remainder of the day. Most people discussed about Brendon and what a good man he was. Others just laid around most of the day.

Inside the Medical Tent, Tony felt he had to pull everybody together. He wanted to know exactly what happened out in the woods. “I managed to stop two of them.” Jenny said.

“Hey, girl, I kinda helped,” Martin quickly helped.

“Uh, yeah, Martin KINDA helped.” The young teenager pointed out.

Kristy giggled at her black friend’s disgust over the fact that Jenny did a better job of him out there against Black Faction. Tony smirked, glad he was to hear the sound of laughter again. “I know I managed to kill one. Then I took out Cedric.”

“How did you take that bastard out, Tony?” asked Yolanda.

Tony massaged his chin, “With all due respect, Yolanda, you really don’t want to know.”

“Okay,” she replied, leaving it at that.

“Mia told me she and Shanna took out another two,” John piped, “And Seth and Brendon took out three of them.”

“That’s at least eight,” the blind doctor whispered, “Didn’t Mia say there were nine boys?”

“Yeah.” The archer nodded.

“More than likely, we got all nine. The girls may still attack but it’s doubtful. Hopefully, seeing as the bulk of their tribe was wiped out, they’ll stay away from us in regard to fear.”

“Yeah, you are probably right, Tony,” McKay sighed.

“I’ve seen stuff like this before, in foreign countries. Trust me, guys. We are safe now. It was just sad that we had to pay for our safety . . . .with one of our own.”

No said anything but they agreed with Tony’s statement. At that point, everybody then agreed to try to get some sleep. It was difficult but most every one were emotionally tired. McKay walked over and laid down into his bed, and Taylor curled up to him. Mandy also scooted next to them. The blonde took her friends hand and held it as they got ready to sleep. The closeness they shared was needed that night.

John rubbed his face and removed his shirt. He kneeled down to get into his blanket. Then paused when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see Mia, Shanna and Seth standing there, holding their blankets and gear. “Mia?” the archer blinked, “Are you okay?”

McKay, Taylor, and Mandy looked to them. Tony paused by the entrance to the tent, while Marita looked at the younger people. Mia massaged her blanket and then whispered, “Can we bunk with you guys?”

“It’s . .uh . . . it’s not the same over there without him.” Seth confessed.

“Of course,” Marita sighed, “You can absolutely bunk with us.”

“Seth, come sleep near me,” Mandy said, offering a spot near her.

The young man walked over to where the blonde was sleeping and Shanna slowly followed. They placed down their gear and then folded out their blankets to make themselves ready to sleep. Seth laid down next to Mandy and Shanna laid down next to him.

Mia slowly put her gear and her blankets in one pile. She then walked over and kneeled down next to John. The archer looked at her for a few seconds. There were no words spoken and none was needed. He slowly opened up his blanket for her. The Lakota girl slid down with him and turned around. John laid his head down on his pillow, placing his arm around her. She scooted closer to him, kissing his arm. Mia needed to be with someone tonight. No one gave any looks or whispered any comments about her sleeping with John. It seemed appropriate anyway.

They were only sad that the loss of one of their own brought them closer together.