Fred and Haley quieted noticably as we got closer to the Big City.
They had spent much of the journey in a joyful comaraderie, running ahead, playing tag or looking at garbage under abandoned cars. They dashed between Walter’s people as if they were slow moving obstactles in a real-life video game, not humans at the end of the world. The strange people barely acknowledged the young woman, the boy, or their energy. Jeremy stayed close to Evelyn and me, content to allow Haley to watch after the kid. Walter walked ahead of his people, behind Haley and Fred, who running back and forth across the highway. Jeremy, Evelyn, and I brought up the rear.
But as we got closer, Haley and Fred stopped running as much. They quieted. They must have been getting tired. Their rambunctious play had been a nice respite from the gloom, if I’m honest. But it was out of place and therefore unsustainable. As they fell back to the three of us, the air felt stiller, heavier, more appropriate to the circumstances.
“What kind of shelter are we looking for in the City, exactly?” Jeremy asked, implying that we were decision-makers, despite bringing up the rear.
“I’m not sure. We could find an apartment building or hotel, I guess. Maybe people want their own places, though. I think we should stay close to each other, regardless,” I said.
“Even them?” Evelyn asked, gesturing in front of us toward the Walter contingent.
“I suppose. Why?”
“They make you uncomfortable. I’m surprised you gave in so quickly,” she said.
“They do make me uncomfortable,” I replied, “but I think we’re all in this together now. Just keep your eye on Walter.”
“I am,” she responded.
Jeremy put his hand on Fred’s head, palming it to pull the kid into a hug. “Where do you want to live?” he asked his son.
“A big house on the lake. With a pool. And an elevator.”
Jeremy laughed, “I’m not sure we’ll find an elevator. If we do, we shouldn’t use it anyway.”
Fred was undeterred, “We’re going to find a rich guy’s house with an elevator.”
“Well, it’s possible,” Haley said.
“Don’t make promises,” I said, trying to sound like I was joking. “It’s a little cruel, you know,” I continued, the second half sounding less like a joke despite my sad attempt at being light and cheery.
“It all depends on what we find when we get there,” Evelyn said diplomatically.
“An elevator,” Fred said with a smile I wish I could have bottled and saved for today.
Walter was still at the front of the group.
The sun had not yet set, but was preparing for the plunge as we arrived at the City.