Chapter 7 (Rumors Spiral)

Chapter 7: Rumors Spiral

Arwen Swanter

September 2022

About 4 months after outbreak

Ohio

Season 1

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I think I wanted the others to understand Valentine more than I care to admit. No matter what side of the story you told me, I wouldn't give a shit. Maybe that's because it doesn't really matter why he left. I think what matters is that he's back.

I like to think that over the few months we've had, I've stepped up at least a little. I've become a leader I can be happy with but not proud of, so I guess I still have a little way to go.

Our plan was to find others, enough to start a community, but I didn't really think that was a long-term plan. People are dangerous; we know that from experience, but it was the plan because that's what the others wanted. I have to do what they want sometimes; otherwise, they'd replace me.

I was determined to keep us from falling. We haven't lost anyone yet, and I wanted to keep it that way. Letting Valentine stay might have been the wrong choice, but nothing would have made me change my mind in the moment.

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Valentine Evans

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"We do not trust you. You are not our friend. You are not important. And when push comes to shove, you're not the one we're afraid to lose."

"I get it, Maverick; you don't have to sound like an ass all the time."

"Just making sure we're all on the same page. Arwen vouched for you enough to make us all practically hate them. You better not mess that up."

Maverick pulled me out to join the others. His trembling hands caught my attention. It was clear that something else was bothering him, and I couldn't help but find it slightly amusing that he, who seemed fearless, could be shaken by something.

The others glared at me; some averted their eyes. Arwen smiled but stopped before the others could see. I knew I was making a mistake. It would have been better for everyone to just send me away; we didn't have time for this bullshit.

"We've been on the road for a little while now," Arwen started as the others gathered, making every effort to avoid breathing in my carbon dioxide. "We only recently agreed that we'd be welcoming new people."

"Maybe we might want to rethink that."

"Not now, Cole. I've solemnly decided that before we recruit new people, we need somewhere to live first. So we're going back to Harpfield." Arwen's statement caused a tense silence to settle among the group. It was clear that the decision to welcome new members had stirred up mixed feelings.

"Harpfield is gone; we watched it fall." The memory of Harpfield's destruction hung heavy in the air, and the group exchanged worried glances. The thought of returning to a place that held such painful memories made some members hesitant about Arwen's suggestion.

"It's better than what we have, Abby; it'll be good for us. We leave in the morning, no questions about it."

Curiosity piqued within me as I wondered what could have caused such devastation. Despite their reservations, the determination in Arwen's voice made it clear that they believed this new place held promise for a fresh start. I could tell they wanted to, but no one argued with their decision.