A somber feeling falls over the room. A long moment passes before Karo speaks again.
"That's my story. I've been out here, on my own, for the past six years. I've met people in that time. Some good, some bad. I only took up with one group. They were kind and caring. It got them killed."
"And you don't want to see that happen to us?" Daisy replies.
"I'm not attached. I can make the tough calls. I can keep you all alive, allow you to concentrate on the boy, if you want that."
Jack, Norman, and Daisy trade wondering looks.
"I'll give you time to think about it." Karo says, already heading for the front door.
Jack rises from the couch.
"No." he says.
Karo stops and directs his attention to Jack.
Jack continues, "I don't think that's necessary."
Jack's eyes move to Daisy then to Norman.
"We could use your help. We don't want to get infected, and we're not accustomed to killing those things. You are. You need company, and we need a fighter."
Daisy and Norman nod in agreement.
"Alright then. I'll keep watch." Karo says.
"What did you do before the outbreak?" Daisy asks.
"I worked in finance." Karo replies as he exits the house again.
Daisy shakes her head, her emotions welling up.
"I could never imagine going through that." she says
"It certainly sheds a light on his surly demeanor." Jack replies.
Norman stands from the couch and embraces his husband. He kisses his cheek before looking to Daisy.
"I should check on Patrick." he says.
Daisy rises from her chair.
"I'll come with you."
Jack walks to the small kitchen. He peers out the window at Karo. So much pain must run through this man, knowing that someone you love is still alive in this mess of chaos, and not being able to see them, to be around them, to hold them. He leaves the house again and joins Karo on porch. Even if they stand in silence, he wants to be here for this person.
“Karo is, uh” -Jack clears his throat- “an interesting name.”
“It's Armenian, I'm a first generation immigrant, my parents were both from Armenia. My wife was first generation as well.”
“Is that right?” -Jack's brow raises- “Where from, if you don't mind my asking?”
“Brazil.”
Jack nods, not really sure of what to say. Karo sighs, then continues.
“It's, odd, I guess, to come all that way, to a land that's supposed to be better, to give your children the chance at a better life, then this happens, and now, Maria and I aren't even together.”
Tears well up around Jack's eyes. He doesn't know what he would do without Norman. What an awful, awful thought. He shakes his head, wiping away the dampness. He looks to Karo and offers a forced smile, a facade that he hopes isn't recognized, but the rugged man's gaze doesn't move from the trees in front of them.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The journey back to the farm for Rosaline and Sweetie was a quiet one. Rosaline thought it better to let Sweetie come to her if she wanted to engage, which of course didn't happen. She wasn't surprised by that. She expects it will take a bit of time for Sweetie to figure out her feelings.
As they enter the perimeter of the farm Rosaline notices that no one is outside. Odd, considering there are a few hours left until dusk, and usually at least one person is late to finish their daily tasks. Perhaps today it's her and Sweetie that are the late ones.
Only a few times on their trek back did Sweetie turn to make sure Rosaline was still with her. At least she checked at all. A tiny inkling of care. Small, but it's something, and she'll take it.
Sweetie's pace picks up once they cross the perimeter. By the time Rosaline reaches the edge of the gardens Sweetie is already past them. Sweetie didn't stop to bury the eggplant. Rosaline slows to a light walk as she watches her traveling companion round the house and out of sight.
As Rosaline nears the barn Hawaii steps out, leaning up against the large wooden door.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" he asks.
Her brow furrows.
"Sure?" she replies, the word packed with curiosity.
Hawaii slides the barn doors open.
"Let's talk in here."
Rosaline's head tilts, her eyes squint, she wonders why this interaction feels odd. She watches Hawaii enter the barn, then follows behind him.
Hawaii takes a seat on a stump near the door. He motions to the stump opposite him, requesting Rosaline to join him. She takes her seat, her gaze never moving from him. His knee bounces, vibrating his forearm that is rested upon it. He clasps his hands. His eyes are fixated on the floor. She notices that he's yet to look her in the eyes since they entered the barn.
He clears his throat, then raises his head up, and their gazes finally meet.
"You don't talk about your past much. Bad memories?"
She nods, but doesn't respond.
"Listen, uh, I don't know how to say any of this. I don't really know what I'm doing right now."
He inhales heavily and sits up, leaning back as if there were a wall to rest upon.
"Yesterday has been difficult to process, to understand. The way-"
"You want to know about my past?"
Her question is abrupt, almost as if she blurted it out in fear. Hawaii's mouth opens, but he pauses his thought and nods.
"I was born in the wild, that's what my mom called it. We didn't live anywhere, we didn't have anyone. It was just me, my parents, and my sister."
Her hand brushes over her hair. Hawaii can feel the nerves shooting through her veins, it's palpable. Her leg jitters now as well.
"My dad died when I was about a year old, so I don't remember anything about him. The next eight years I spent with my mom and sister it was only us. We never stayed in one place for long. We came across infected a lot. My mom was very good about
