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A. 11

Michael laid down with the girls as they took power naps to prepare for more walking. Michael took his time to dry them all off and tuck them under the communal sleeping bags that had a strong stench, they were all still semi damp, but something about resting under the blankets created peace. Michael laid in between Nadia and Dori with Isabella on the other side of Dori. They were sound asleep as Michael stared at the ceiling thinking about their survival.

When Tina walked up, Michael's concentration shifted, "we're all so tired..." he said under his breath.

"I know," she sighed, "the night is almost over."

"This is the longest night of my life.."

"Mine too, but if we sleep then we're going to miss that ship, I have a feeling they would leave us" she sighed, "well, maybe not Jerry, but I'm not too sure about Bennie."

"I just want to go home so bad.."

"I know, me too, but we're going to be at the coast before we know it, they're cutting the trip down -"

Before she could finish he cut her off, "before they can't take everyone, I know, Bennie announced it."

Tina exhaled a breath of despair, "let's just see what happens."

Michael sat up and looked at his wife who was sitting on the cot as he lied on the floor with the girls, "I love you so much, my love."

"I love you too baby," she whispered before he reached over Nadia to give her a kiss, holding her face close to his he brought her in before leaving sweet words on her lips.

"I love you forever, no matter what."The couple accidentally fell asleep, they were exhausted from all of the walking.

Jerry stood over Tina with wide eyes and urgency as he hastily woke her up, "It's time go!" He was rushing her to get up, she jumped up startled.

"GIRLS, BABY!" Tina began hitting them on their shoulders and nudging them with her feet, "let's go!"

They all jumped up, rudding their eyes and looking at their mother, "it's time to leave?" Nadia said as she wiped the crust away.

"Yes, it is so get ready, we're headed to the coast now!" Tina was urgent, Jerry's eyes were popping out of his face as if time was escaping him like a thief with gold.

They moved with haste, Michael helped the girls to get ready while Tina threw her feet and layers back on after they slept for what felt like hours but was actually only about thirty minutes.