Dear Diary,
We moved Tony from the workshop to the admin hall a couple days ago. I thought my friend was going to die. People have been sitting at his bedside in four-hour shifts. Last night was my turn. Thankfully, he slept soundly and chose not to die on my watch. As of this morning, he is no longer a shade of death gray.
My shift as nursemaid was ending when Tony opened his eyes. For a moment, he looked confused and lost. I don’t think he remembers moving from the workshop to the admin hall. “What day…time is it?” he inquired as he struggled to sit up.
I yawned and gave a big stretch. “It’s almost 6 am and…it’s Friday. You really should try not to move too much.”
Tony took a deep breath and grabbed his left side before groaning in agreement. “Been here long?” he asked.
“My shift started at 2am”. I reached for the water pitcher sitting on the crate next to his cot. “Marty, Gretchen and Cecelia will be here soon. Want a drink?”
Tony winced in pain as reached for the glass of water; “Thank you,”
“Where’s the Runt?” he inquired as he motioned I could take the glass. He tried to reach his arm out but couldn’t. It was so sad watching him struggle to move.
I thought back and tried to remember. The last couple of days had been hectic. The Runt’s absence was a bit puzzling. Keeping up with the boy had not been high on my list of priorities. When had I seen him last? When I cooked the eggs?
“Not certain, but I’m sure he’s around somewhere. The boy rarely gives me a moment’s peace.”
Tony smiled and said, “The boy likes you”.
For the record, I said, “The boy does not like me. He’s a demon child. He never sleeps. He aggravates me day in and day out.” I was getting ready to list several more examples of the Runt’s evilness when Marty, Gretchen and Cecelia stepped into the room.
I looked at the trio. “I think he’s better.”
Marty nodded his head in agreement “So it seems.”
I kissed Tony on the top of his head. “I’m going to get a couple hours of sleep before the Runt decides to pound on my door. I leave you in safe hands. If I see the boy, I’ll tell him you’re awake.”
Thoughts of slumber quickly filled my head as I walked down the 2A hall toward my bed. I walked most of the way toward my room with my eyes closed but stumble into a water fountain. As I stopped to rub my knee, I caught a glance at the community bulletin board. Someone added a new flier. In big red letters were the words “Armistice Festival”.
If I hadn’t been so tired, I would have been more enthusiastic about the message. The event is always held in and around Liberty Park. The invite includes everyone in the local area. I love the Armistice Festival; it’s a reprieve from the madness. As a sign of goodwill, the local gangs lay down their weapons. For three days, all fighting stops, disputes between rivals put aside for another day or forgotten all together.
I was unaware John Thomas walked up behind me; I was staring at the flier as happy thoughts of last year’s event filled my head.
“Are you going?” JT said as he reached out to touch my shoulder.
Not fully hearing the question but the touch of a possible intruder, I spun around and threw a punch. John Thomas ducked, “Hey, it’s me!” he cried out as he deflected a second blow.
“JT, why the crap are you sneaking up on me?”
“I didn’t sneak! I’m on guard duty.” He said as he waved his flashlight around as proof of his duties.
“I noticed you were staring at the poster and stopped to see if you were going?”
“I’m sorry,” I said apologetically. “I hope I haven’t given you a bruise.”
JT snapped his flashlight onto his belt. “It’s OK, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.”
Falling onto my bed for a few hours of slumber sounded more and more appealing with every step I took toward my room. I reached for my doorknob and realized I hadn’t asked JT if he had seen the Runt. I quickly turned around and looked down the hall; JT was already out of site. For a split second, I thought of running after him but the pull to my bed was stronger than the pull to find out if the ex gutter-rat was still breathing and causing mischief. It was almost time for sunrise, a cue for all devil children it was time to start wreaking havoc. If the gutter rat were around, he would undoubtedly make his presence known soon enough.
I step into my room, kick the door closed behind me, and fall onto my awaiting bed.
Yours Truly,
Madie