Chapter Twenty-Two: Real Talking:

I couldn’t keep it from him anymore. Paul has to know what I found. I don’t know how he’s going to take it but we can’t live like this. I can’t live like this. He doesn’t know how to deliver a baby when the time is right. I don’t even think Paul has basic medical training. I was going to have to take control here if we were going to survive.

I called him to the kitchen table to talk. Paul gave me an odd look.

“You wanted to see me?” he asked. I took a breath and lifted my chin.

“I got a signal over the radio this morning,” I said. I waited for him to speak. Paul just stared.

“I tried to make contact with them but it dropped before I could get a response,” I said. “I think… I think there might be others looking for me.” Paul didn’t say anything. I frowned.

“What do you think?” I asked. He shrugged with his hand under his chin.

“I mean…” he said.

“What?” I asked.

“I mean… do you want to leave?” he asked.

“I have no choice,” I said. I put my hands to my stomach.

“Where is the nearest hospital? I don’t think you have any medical experience. You can’t deliver a baby safely. Plus, what if something goes wrong?”

“Okay…” he said. “What does this have to do with me?” I expected this but I found it still upsetting. Part of me hoped that he would’ve at least shown some emotion or that he cared.

“You can come with us if you want,” I said.

“Why would I do that?” he asked.

“You can’t stay here forever. What will you do if you run out of food? What about Marshmallow? What will you do when there isn’t any way to feed him? What if he gets sick?” I couldn’t shut up. More and more questions came out of my mouth. I started to see that when he was frowning now.

“I was fine on my own. Why are you so worried about me? Why do you even care?”

“I don’t know! Because I do. I don’t want you to die alone out here!” Why was I yelling at him? I should’ve known we would be here doing this. Why did we have to do this?

“I didn’t ask.”

“But I can’t leave you here!”

“I didn’t ask.” His eyes looked so dull. I gritted my teeth as I fought back the urge to scream. What was it going to take? I tried to help him and he was spitting it back in my face. Why did I think that things were going to be different?

“So you just want me to leave you here? Alone with the dog?” My heart was starting to race. My face must have looked so red.

“Yeah.”

I threw back my head and groaned. How was I not getting through to him? What was it going to take?

“Mummy?” I heard from the doorway. I turned to see Ava poking her head inside. Her little eyes stayed on me.

“What is it?” I asked with a sigh. My little girl didn’t answer.

“What?” I asked again. Ava started trembling.

“Did you want something?” Paul asked. My daughter shook her head. Instead, she turned and ran off. I rubbed my forehead and sighed. I didn’t need this. I got up and walked out of the kitchen.

“Nancy?” Paul asked. I waved him off as I disappeared out of the room. I should’ve kept my mouth shut and not acted on this horrible idea.