Apex

Chapter 28

•Kriss•

Darkness. The cellar was always dark, but today it felt like the dark was going to choke me, burry me alive in a permanent tomb, denying me the luxury of having one last look at the sun.

Mom was in bed, restless. I know she must feel sore from being stuck there for the past two days. I helped her stretch a few hours ago and attempted a some exercises that would hopefully help with her range of motion. I know deep down that it wasn't enough. I wasn't a doctor, nothing I did would ever be enough.

The temptation to open the cellar door was overwhelming. The promise of even a few minutes of light would lift the weight of the oppressing darkness. Besides, it's doubtful that anyone, human or alien, would be around to see the wide open doors. Perhaps it'd be worth the risk.

"Kriss?" Mom's weak voice interrupted my train of thought.

"Yeah," I said, lips lifting in a reluctant smile. The candlelight cast a flickering glow on her features. The warmth did little to erase the paleness of her skin; the rich honey undertones were nearly nonexistent. "Are you feeling okay? Do you want me to make you some more tea?"

"I'm fine," mom lied. "But I don't like that distant look in your eyes. You seem troubled."

"Just worried about dad, that's all. What else is new?" I chuckled dryly. "Maybe we should go outside. You've been stuck in here for too many days, it'll be good for you. I'm sure doctor Schroder would agree."

Mom was shaking her head before I even finished speaking.

"You know what your father said, Kriss."

"It's been days." I insisted. "Dad wouldn't mind. Something's holding him up or he would've been back by now. He'd want you to get out of bed for a little while."

"Your father would want us to stay put," she insisted, not unkindly, and granted me a tired smile. "Do I really look that bad?"

"Yes."

I grinned when my answer earned me a rare laugh.

"Then, I better accept that tea."

Silently, I turned on the hot plate and filled the kettle with water from our stash. The pallet was depleting faster than I'd like. Perhaps when dad came back, we can switch off the scouting duties so that he can stay with mom.

"There are fewer people in the area." I said off-handedly. "The town might be looted dry, but there has to be some places people overlooked. It would be smart to check neighboring towns too...the ones that are still standing anyway."

Mom was silent, I backpedaled quickly.

"Unless you think it's too dangerous. Completely understandable. My apartment complex is still a little far, but that might be a better idea for a scouting trip. I know how you feel about me going home. And you're right, it's probably gone. But, we won't know if we don't try. I know that area better than both of you..."

She still didn't reply. Sweat ran down the back of my neck. The disapproval emanating from her made me swallow thickly.

"Honestly," I continued. "I'm exhausted with the restrictions you've been putting on me. It's nothing new, I know. I've been quiet about it for the past few months. It's just that if you let me go scouting on my own, dad could stay here and keep you safe. He'd probably take you outside to get sun and do a better job with your physical therapy. He wouldn't have to be the only one taking a risks."

The pot started whistling in record time. I scowled at it.

"We need to be smart if we want to keep surviving?" The pot whistled louder, but I couldn't find the urge to open the kettle. Steam rose from it, accumulating into dainty clouds above my head.