Forty-Five
FreeThere was much to carry out over the coming days. As the recon team found few useful maps, we had to combine what we had with the directions my mother remembered from working at NML. There were supplies to gather, and goodbyes to say. While I planned on saying my goodbyes when we left, there was one I had to make before that day came.
The grey sky threatened. Warm winds stirred up dust and blew through the pines; branches rattled and needles hushed. The smell of ozone caused my nose to crinkle. Vibrant greens of the forest stood out despite the clouds. And I was glad I'd chosen to walk the road and not the tunnel.
I'd refused company. This was a trek I had to make alone, of my free will, and one I planned never to repeat.
The house appeared smaller. Dwarfed by the trees
