We, who Survived

The village was decorated in flowers hanging from twine across the open area where the bonfire was, all connecting to the huts. Candles sat in stone holders, some coloured and scented or plain but designed intricately with flowers. Artwork was also strung up, either leaning against walls, tied to posts or hanging from twine. Flower petals were strewn around the ground, children dancing to the beat of drums coming from the young men around the bonfire wearing their animal masks. Fern was standing by my side, his arm around my waist as we watched the festivities.

The survivors were still on their way as Black Reach was closer than the base. It just meant I could spend just a little bit more time with Fern before they came.

“Bloody hell, that took forever!” Turning around, I saw Charlie and Dean, their hands intertwined as they came through the village gates with Zed walking past them and patting Fern’s shoulder.

“You guys took long enough!” I grinned as Charlie saw me. He let go of Dean’s hand as I walked up to greet him, he instantly pulled me into a hug. When he pulled away, the same mischievous grin he usually showed was on his face. Little red marks hid under the neck of his moving shirt.

“The base was empty without you guys being there,” He exclaimed, pouting. Dean came to stand next to him, throwing his arm over his shoulders and looking me up and down.

“You look just like them now, Bookworm,” Dean said with the same snark he always used. “You know how to use that thing?”

“Yes, he does. Why else would he be walking around with it if he didn’t?” Fern answered for me, his hand coming to clasp mine. “Where are the rest of you?”

“Right here!” Maria’s excited voice carried to us as she came running, her arms above her head and a large grin on her golden-brown face. Behind her were Jae and Joon, Jacob chatting to Max and Carly, Ruby and Spark. Daniel and his crew walked past, all of them nodding to me before following to where Zed stood talking to an elderly woman. All the leaders, including Spark, stood in front of me, friends sticking close to our circle.

“Fern, father wants to speak to you!” Hawk called; Parish perched on his shoulder. Fern squeezed my hand then kissed my temple and told everyone to enjoy themselves, this was a night to relax and learn his culture. When he left, I felt the excitement bubbling within me.

“You look like you are about to explode, tell us what you are so excited for,” Maria chided, her hands on her hips and her lips pursed.

“Hawk, Fern’s older brother, told me something that you guys will freak over,” I said, pausing to build up the suspense.

“What did he say, don’t pause,” Joon complained.

“Lifepod Eight may have survivors.”

Everyone was quiet, even Spark had lifted his eyes from the ground to look at me surprised.

“You mean there may be more of us?” He asked, eyes flicking back down to the ground before up again.

“Yes, at a mountain village. Jacob’s village.”

“We might be able to see Calvin,” Charlie said excitedly.

Before Dean could respond, Fern’s father called for everyone to gather by the bonfire. I smiled and told them that we could talk later. Right now, was the time to relax and finally see what our partners in survival will be like.