Chapter 38: Different Kinds of Love, Part 2

Then, I let the memories of my family and of Brandon fill my mind as my body wretched with sobs. We'd all been through so much in the past week and I'd lost so much; we all had. How much more could I bear? So I let the tears fall and the memories fill my mind, giving myself over to the outside world that had been waiting to crush me down.

Then, a thought occurred to me. I knew I needed my family and they needed me, so I wiped the tears from my eyes and walked purposefully toward the cave. Ignoring the stares I received from everyone, I walked immediately to the supply cave where the guys had just taken the weapons and ammo, along with the other supplies Mr. McGowan had given us. I grabbed one of the rifles leaning against a wall, walked over to a crate, and flipped it open.

"What do you think you're doing?" Derek asked from behind me. I ignored the familiar flutter mixed with pain within my heart.