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“And look, she gave me these to take home.” Jenny opens her hand to reveal the two felt tip markers and three new crayons. “Can I keep them?” she pleads politely while asking permission for such valuable gifts.
“If it’s okay with Sophie and her parents,” says Clare as she looks over at the Brannans.
“Of course, it’s okay,” says Mrs. Brannan. “We so appreciate that you stayed with Sophie while we were gone.”
With things settling down, Clare and Mr. Brannan make their trade of water for a few candles. She also buys some items that she knows they will need soon. Turning to James, she asks him if there is anything that he might want. He says no that he doesn’t need anything. “Are you sure, honey, a book or something?” says Clare, knowing of his love for reading.
“No, Mom, I don’t need anything. I can always go back to the school if I want to get another book.”
“You go to a school to get books?” Sophie quickly jumps in. “Which school do you get them from?”
“The old high school over by our place. The library is full of them and nobody goes there anymore. A lot of classrooms still have science and history books in them, too.”
Clare mentions that it is getting late and if they want to get home before dark, they had better start now. Both of Sophie’s parents thank them again as they all walk to the door. The day has been filled with much more than any of them had expected. But the Brannans have returned safely and that is the most important thing. Saying good bye on the front porch, Clare and her two children turn to leave.
But then a request comes from Sophie that is addressed to James. “If you ever go back to the school, I would like to do that. I would like to go with you.”
“Sure,” he says, feigning no interest in the matter.
And then the three of them make their way back through the darkening streets to their building. Climbing the stairs to their apartment, all are glad to be home again.
Michael has been traveling with the same group of Outsiders for the past two weeks. As they enter the city, he knows that he has had enough of the current situation. The benefit of numbers for protection and companionship is outweighed by the lack of resources that they have come across recently. Not finding much in the way of food for the past few days has created tensions among the men. Moving into a new area now, Michael feels it is time to strike out on his own again.