Chapter 61: Waste

NINE

The rest of the night goes smoothly. When Thirteen comes out of the shower, I tend to her wounds as best I can without formal training, and she doesn’t say a word to me. Kade glowers from the bar with every thank you she withholds, but she hates me, and I understand why she does. I accept it. Compared to her, I live a privileged life. I am protected in my ivory tower, away from the Fortunates who lurk in the shadows, waiting to hurt me. I’d hate me too.

Once Kade is satisfied with her wound care, I set her up on the lounge for sleep. I add kindling to the fire to keep it burning, and I tuck myself in on the other lounge. I watch her for a long time before exhaustion takes me out. I don’t know if she slept or watched the flames of the fire dance all night, but when I wake, she’s gone, and Kade is somewhere by his bar, brewing coffee. The smell of it alone is enough to pick me up. I’ve always enjoyed the scent.