The day dragged on without any further excitement. Some folks went downstairs to use the gym equipment, while a few others spent their time in the library or media room.
The guards maintained their vigil over Craig and Jack, switching out every few hours.
Meals were cooked and consumed in relative silence, as folks started conjecturing about Jack’s health and what was going to happen later that afternoon.
As supper time approached, more and more people started to congregate in the hallway near Craig and Jack’s room. The quarantine room, as people had termed it, was quiet.
Then it was time.
There was no window set in the door, so nobody knew what things looked like on the other side. Everybody had gathered in anxious silence. John walked up and without ceremony knocked loudly on the door, startling some of the people in the hall with the sound.
“Craig! It’s nearly supper time. How is Jack doing?” He called out through the door. For a few seconds all that could be heard was shuffling and the sound of a desk as it was bumped into. John and Emily took a step back from the door, they had pulled their weapons off their shoulders and were now holding them low and ready.
“Hey John. We’re fine over here. Jack’s getting better.” Craig called out from the other side. “Yeah can we get out of here?” Jack added. “Our waste bucket is stinking up the place!”
That broke the tension. Several people in the group let out their breaths and one or two broke out in laughter that was louder than the comment merited. John unlocked the door and stood aside as Craig and Jack walked out. The relief was palpable as Jack looked no worse for wear. The young man greeting the crowd in the hallway with an embarrassed smile.
The mood turned celebratory. Almost as if Jack had won some prestigious prize or scored in the big game. Emily and Bill nodded with respect, Ern slapped his back, and Nancy wrapped him up in a hug. Near the end of the crowd, a stern-faced Joe was standing with his arms folded.
Craig and Jack came to a stop in front of the big African American.
“This is not easy for me.” He said. Craig and Jack waited for him to continue.
“I’m sorry. I was wrong about you. I was only looking out for the welfare of my family and–” Rachel nudged his side. Joe shook his head and looked down at his feet.
“No excuses.” He mumbled.
He looked back up at the father and son. First, he turned to Jack. “I’m happy that you are ok, Jack.” Next, he turned to Craig and locked eyes with the tall man. “Craig, I apologize.” And he held out his hand.
To Craig’s credit, he did not hesitate. He shook hands with the big man and smiled. “All’s forgiven, Joe.” Then his face lit up with a mischievous smile. “Hey Joe. There is something you can do to make good on your apology. We didn’t have a bathroom in there. Used a bucket...”
Joe hesitated, then smiled broadly himself. “Hey man, guess cleaning up shit is better than eating shit!” Several folks laughed. Before moving away, Joe turned to Jack.
“Hey Jack, we just about got that radio set up. Want to come help us out with it after supper?”
“Yeah for sure mister Collins!” Jack replied enthusiastically.
“Ok. You folks go ahead and get some supper, while I go... Uh, pay my repentance.” He said with a smile as he walked into the classroom.
Chapter Thirty-nine
Jack
October 31, 5:20 P.M.
The military grade radio had been set up in the media room. It seemed the most fitting place. Jack walked in and found Ethan finishing his scan for television broadcasts. His search bore no fruit, and he turned the tv off. Emily was sitting at the radio, getting the power unit attached. Jack started walking over to her but held up when Ethan called him and walked over.
Ethan was a year younger than Jack, but nearly matched the older boy in height. He was powerfully built and had the looks of an athlete.
“Hey man...” Ethan stated as he walked up to Jack. “Glad you’re ok.” The younger boy continued hesitantly.
Jack smiled. “No worries. I got this condition. I think everybody just got really scared.”
Ethan smiled back. “Ok. Cool, man.” He offered his hand, and they shook on it.
“So, are you all better now?”
“It takes a bit of time, but yeah the pain is fading.”
Ethan nodded with an earnest look. Then changed the subject. “Hey, didn’t you go to Kennedy? I remember seeing you around the halls. You were in grade 12, right?”
“Yeah that’s right. I remember you too. You were on some of the sports teams. What was it; football and baseball?”
Ethan grinned. “Football, baseball, lacrosse, and track and field.” He ticked off his fingers as he counted. “No rest, man. My dad even wanted me to try out for the basketball team, but then I’d have to drop one of the others.”
Jack nodded. “I played on the junior soccer team in my first year, and that was more than enough for me.”
“Yeah, those soccer dudes do some serious running, man! There’s a few of them on the track and field team too. ‘Go Tigers’, right?” Ethan smiled again. “I’m glad you made it, man. Us Tigers, we got to look out for each other!”
He leaned in conspiratorially. “Besides, my sister thinks you’re cute.” Both boys chuckled.
“Well, I won’t hold you up any longer. Catch you later, Jack.” With a nod, Ethan moved off.
“Hey Ethan.” Jack called out to him before he was out the door.
“Thanks.” Was all he said. Ethan acknowledged it with a thumbs up and left the room.
“That’s a good bloke.” Emily said from the other side of the room. She had witnessed the exchange.
“Yeah.” Jack agreed as he
